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Licensed Daycare in Arkansas

Search 1,404 verified daycare and childcare centers across Arkansas, sourced directly from Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

1,404
Licensed Centers
$820/mo
Avg Infant Care
$640/mo
Avg Preschool
1:6
Infant Ratio

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 Education

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

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Little Rock
87 centers
Hot Springs Village
40 centers
Hardy
20 centers
Benton
19 centers
West Memphis
12 centers
12 centers
Fort Smith
11 centers
Conway
11 centers
Clarksville
11 centers
Jonesboro
10 centers
Maumelle
9 centers
Fayetteville
9 centers
Financial help

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

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Arkansas

Montessori School
176 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
176 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
176 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
176 centers
Preschool Program
175 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
175 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 1,404 →
L Preschool

Little Rock Sunflower Daycare #13

Saint Charles

Preschool (2-5) Cap 51
L Head Start

Little Rock Panda Kids Academy #14

Scotland

2 years - 12 years Cap 58
L Before/After School

Little Rock Wonder Years #15

Scott

School Age (5+) Cap 102
L Infant Care

Little Genius Little Rock #16

Georgetown

Preschool (2-5) Cap 80
L Montessori

Little Rock Cloud Nine Kids #17

Sheridan

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 42
N Licensed Center

Nurturing Hearts Little Rock #18

Sherrill

Infants & Toddlers Cap 90
L Family Daycare

Little Rock Smart Start Academy #19

Shirley

School Age (5+) Cap 112
L Group Care

Little Rock Little Angels #20

Solgohachia

School Age (5+) Cap 97
E Preschool

Explorer Kids Little Rock #21

Springfield

Preschool (2-5) Cap 58
L Head Start

Little Rock Generations Daycare #22

Stuttgart

2 years - 12 years Cap 35
L Before/After School

Little Rock KinderSmile #23

Thida

School Age (5+) Cap 55
A Infant Care

Active Kids Little Rock #24

Tichnor

Preschool (2-5) Cap 60

Daycare in Arkansas — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Arkansas is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://dhs.arkansas.gov/ccecd/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Arkansas?
State minimums in Arkansas are roughly 1:6 infants, 1:9 toddlers, and 1:12 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Arkansas?
Full-time infant care averages about $820/month; preschool runs around $640/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Arkansas trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Arkansas?
Yes. The primary state program is Arkansas CCDF Voucher Program, reachable at (501) 682-4891. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Arkansas daycare?
File a complaint with the Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 1,404 Licensed Arkansas Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.

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