Licensed Daycare in Arkansas
Find the right daycare in Arkansas in under 5 minutes. 1,404 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. Free, no signup.
Arkansas Childcare Licensing
In Arkansas, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:6 for infants under 12 months, 1:9 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:12 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood EducationWhat's distinctive about Arkansas: Arkansas has among the country's lowest infant daycare costs ($820/mo). DHS Better Beginnings quality-rating system stars providers 1–3 — look for 3-star providers, which exceed minimum standards.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
- Infant ratio
- 1:6
- Toddler ratio
- 1:9
- Preschool ratio
- 1:12
- Avg infant cost
- $820/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $640/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in Arkansas
View all cities →Arkansas Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Arkansas families can apply for Arkansas CCDF Voucher Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (501) 682-4891
Official Arkansas & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
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Daycare in Arkansas — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Arkansas is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Arkansas?
How much does daycare cost in Arkansas?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Arkansas?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Arkansas daycare?
Search 1,404 Licensed Arkansas Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.