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Washington County, AR Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Regulator
Arkansas DHS
License trigger
Caring for children for pay
County role
Land use and building only
Church programs
Exempt by filing notice

Summary

Caring for children for pay in a Washington County home requires a license from the Arkansas Department of Human Services. State code makes operating an unlicensed child-care facility unlawful. The county's role is limited to land-use and building compliance.

City-specific rules exist: Springdale has its own home daycare rules that differ from Washington County's county-level regulations. If you live in Springdale, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, group, corporation, organization, or association to operate or assist in the operation of a childcare facility which has not been licensed by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services.

Source: Arkansas CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Child care in Arkansas is licensed by the Department of Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, not by the county. A family child-care home caring for other people's children away from their own homes falls under DHS licensing under Ark. Code Section 20-78-201 et seq., with background checks, staff-to-child ratios, safety and health inspections, and minimum standards. A church-operated program may claim an exemption by filing annual notice and maintaining inspection records. In unincorporated Washington County the home must still meet county land-use and building requirements, and inside Fayetteville or Springdale the city adds its own zoning, but DHS licensing controls whether the daycare may operate at all.

Violations & Fines

Operating an unlicensed child-care facility is a Class C misdemeanor, and DHS can seek to close the home. Falsely advertising licensed or approved care is separately unlawful under the licensing act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to run a home daycare?
Yes, from the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Operating a child-care facility without a DHS license is unlawful and charged as a Class C misdemeanor.
Does Washington County license my daycare?
No. The state DHS licenses child care. The county adds only land-use and building compliance; it does not license the daycare itself.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington County

Cottage Food OperationsFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingFew Restrictions

All Washington County rules

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Home Daycare in Cities Across Washington County

Springdale, AR