Arizona In-Home Child Care Licensing and Certification

Under ARS Title 36 Chapter 7.1 (36-881 et seq.) and Title 8 certification rules, a person caring for five or more unrelated children in a private home must obtain a Department of Health Services child care group home license, while smaller family child care providers caring for four or fewer may certify through the Department of Economic Security. The state sets minimum ratios, training, background checks, and health and safety standards. Cities may regulate land use and signage but cannot impose conflicting caregiver qualifications.

Operating without required licensure or certification can lead to civil penalties, closure orders, and disqualification from state child care subsidies.