Child care centers in Arizona must meet certain requirements to become licensed. If a center is licensed, it has met minimum state requirements on the size of the space, the number of children in care, and staff qualifications. Compliance with licensing regulations requires:
Inspections by the health department, the fire department, a building inspector and the Department of Health Services.
Staff members must be at least 18 years of age, complete 12 hours of training each year, have a negative TB skin test, have an updated immunization record, be fingerprinted and pass a criminal history background check.
ACCREDITATION
A number of child care facilities choose to go through formal accreditation or national credential process. This process requires the provider to meet and maintain specific quality standards.
In Arizona, the Department of Economic Security, Child Care Administration, pays an enhanced reimbursement rate to providers (both child care centers and family home providers) who are accredited or meet national credential standards. The additional reimbursement rate is an additional 10% above the DES contracted maximum reimbursement rate.
Click here to view a list of DES recognized accrediting organizations
