The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Arkansas Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Arkansas. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
ARKANSAS Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Arkansas Department of Human Resources Divison of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Child Care Licensing Unit
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S-150 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437
https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/dccece/2019_CCC_mlr.pdf
(501) 682-8590
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
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Birth- 18Mos. |
18- 36 Mos. |
2 1/2 – 3 Years |
4Years |
5 Years |
6 + Years |
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Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:5 |
1:8 |
1:12 |
1:15 |
1:18 |
1:18 |
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Required Max. Group Size |
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Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
16 |
24 |
30 |
36 |
36 |
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Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
350 sf. |
560 sf. |
840 sf. |
1050 sf. |
1260 sf. |
1260 sf. |
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Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- Separate play areas or time schedules needs be to provided if infants and toddlers share the same playground with older children
- Trampolines will not be used.
- Equipment that has been used determined by the Division to be unsafe for the children, the staff must remove it or must enclose it with a barrier so that the children will not be able to have access to it.
- Shaded areas must be provided where the children can get out from under direct sunlight.
Building Code Requirements
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 |
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CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
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1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
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15 |
All staff must have 15 hours of job-specific training each year for the ages of children they are working with. |
1 |
The supervised rest period must be at least one hour and can not exceed two hours. |
2 |
Time out should not be used for children under the age of 2. |
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http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/dccece/programs-services/child-care-licensing |
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Did you know . . .
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There must be sufficient lighting during nap time to provide adequate supervision of the children. |
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Children should have a variety of toys, books, and creative materials and equipment that is easily accessible and arranged to support learning. |
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There must be a written schedule posted in each classroom listing developmentally appropriate activities for the children. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019