WHAT IS A LICENSED CHILD CARE FACILITY?

The Licensing Unit of The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education was established by law to regulate child care facilities to help protect the health, safety and well being of children in child care.  With the assistance of child-care providers and experts in areas such as child development, early childhood education, fire, health, and safety, the Licensing Unit developed minimum standards for a variety of child care facilities.

The “Child Care Facility Licensing Act” is the statutory authority for licensing child care facilities.  This act created the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) and authorized the Division to establish rules governing the granting, revocation, denial, and suspension of licenses for child care facilities and the operation of child care facilities in this state.  The Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers, Out of School Time Facilities, Licensed Child Care  Family Homes, and Registered Child Care Family Homes are the Division’s rules for Child Care Facilities.

The “Child Care Facility Licensing Act” designates the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), DCCECE as the administrative agency responsible for administering the Act in accordance with the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers, Out of School Time Facilities, Licensed Child Care  Family Homes, and Registered Child Care Family Homes.  The Division is authorized to inspect and investigate any personnel connected with the facility to determine if the facility will be or is being operated in accordance with the “Child Care Facility Licensing Act” and the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers, Out of School Time Facilities, Licensed Child Care  Family Homes, and Registered Child Care Family Homes.

Licensing staff inspects child care facilities to be sure that the minimum standards are being met.  The Licensing staff also investigates complaints about violations of the minimum licensing requirements.  Your child care facility is responsible for meeting the minimum standards.  Many child care programs exceed these requirements.  Licensing does not regulate child care fees, collection policies, or the kind of learning program your child care facility offers.  Each facility has its own personality and approach to educating and caring for children.  Parents can choose the kind of program that best meets the needs of their child and family.