Arizona Childcare Licensing Requirements
Arizona childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Arizona childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7517 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518(D) | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7519 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7523 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(C) | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7520 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(A) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(B) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3620; AAC R6-5-7516 | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(D) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Arizona Civil Rights Act ARS §41-1463; AAC R6-5-7401 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7524 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7525 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Arizona mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (12-24 months) | 1:6 |
| Toddler (24-36 months) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:13 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:15 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
Background Check Requirements
- Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card
- Central Registry check
- Sex offender registry check
Inspection Frequency
Annual; unannounced visits; complaint investigations
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines; corrective action; license revocation under ARS §36-897.01
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Generate a Arizona-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Arizona childcare parent handbook?
Arizona childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Arizona?
Childcare licensing in Arizona is regulated by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care. You can find official licensing information at https://des.az.gov/services/child-and-family/childcare/childcare-licensing.
What happens if a Arizona childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Arizona parent handbook requirements can result in: Fines; corrective action; license revocation under ARS §36-897.01
How often are Arizona childcare centers inspected?
Arizona childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Annual; unannounced visits; complaint investigations