How to Start a Daycare in Arizona (2026)

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Starting a daycare in Arizona requires licensing through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Child Care Licensing. Arizona has strict requirements for background checks (every staff member and household member over 18 needs a Fingerprint Clearance Card), staff-to-child ratios, facility standards, and ongoing training. The demand for child care in Arizona is strong, particularly in the rapidly growing Phoenix metro area and Tucson. This guide covers every step using official Arizona sources.

Daycare Requirements in Arizona at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation	Arizona Corporation Commission	$50	14-16 business days
Child Care Facility License	ADHS Bureau of Child Care Licensing	Application fee (varies)	3-6 months
Fingerprint Clearance Card (all staff)	AZ DPS	$67 per person	6-8 weeks
CPR/First Aid Certification	Red Cross / AHA	$50-$100 per person	1-2 day course
Fire Inspection	Local Fire Department	Varies	Before license issued
General Liability Insurance	Private Carrier	~$100-$250/month	Before opening
Workers’ Compensation Insurance	Private Carrier	Varies by payroll	Before hiring first employee
Federal EIN	IRS	Free	Immediate (online)

How to Start a Daycare in Arizona (Step by Step)

Step 1: Form Your Business Entity

Step 2: Get Fingerprint Clearance Cards

Arizona requires a Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for every owner, staff member, and household member over 18 who will have contact with children. The card costs $67 and takes 6-8 weeks to process. Individuals with certain criminal convictions are prohibited from working in child care facilities.

Step 3: Secure and Prepare Your Facility

Your facility must meet ADHS standards including:

Indoor space: Minimum 35 square feet per child of usable indoor activity space
Outdoor play area: Fenced, shaded, with age-appropriate equipment
Safety: Chemicals locked, electrical outlets covered, pool barriers (if applicable)
Fire safety: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, evacuation plan
Zoning: Verify your location is zoned for child care with your local zoning office

Step 4: Complete Required Training

CPR and first aid certification (infant/child) for all staff
Health and safety training per ADHS requirements
Ongoing training: Staff must complete annual continuing education hours

Step 5: Submit License Application

Submit to the ADHS Bureau of Child Care Licensing with all required documentation. Contact: Phoenix (602) 364-2539 or Tucson (520) 628-6541.

Step 6: Pass Inspection and Open

An ADHS inspector will visit your facility to verify compliance. Plan for 3-6 months from application to opening.

Arizona Staff-to-Child Ratios

Age Group	Staff-to-Child Ratio	Maximum Group Size
Infants (birth to 1 year)	1:5	10
1-year-olds	1:6	12
2-year-olds	1:8	16
3-year-olds	1:13	26
4-5 year-olds	1:15	30
School-age (6+)	1:20	40

Cost to Start a Daycare in Arizona

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC Articles of Organization	$50	One-time ACC filing fee
Federal EIN	Free	IRS, immediate online
Fingerprint Clearance Cards	$67 per person	All staff + household members 18+
Facility lease deposit	$2,000-$8,000	First/last + security deposit
Facility renovations	$5,000-$40,000	Child-proofing, bathroom mods, fencing
Furniture and equipment	$5,000-$20,000	Cribs, tables, chairs, playground
Supplies and curriculum	$1,000-$5,000	Art supplies, books, toys
General liability insurance	$1,200-$3,000/year	Child care specific policy
Workers’ comp insurance	Varies by payroll	Required at 1+ employees
CPR/first aid training	$50-$100 per person	All staff

Estimated total startup cost: $15,000-$80,000+

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Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need to open a daycare in Arizona?

You need a child care facility license from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Bureau of Child Care Licensing. This requires background checks, facility inspections, staff training, and meeting ratio requirements. Plan for 3-6 months from application to opening.

What is a Fingerprint Clearance Card?

A Fingerprint Clearance Card is issued by the Arizona DPS after a criminal background check. It costs $67 and takes 6-8 weeks to process. Every owner, staff member, and household member over 18 must have one to work in a licensed child care facility.

What are the staff-to-child ratios in Arizona?

Arizona requires: 1:5 for infants, 1:6 for 1-year-olds, 1:8 for 2-year-olds, 1:13 for 3-year-olds, 1:15 for 4-5 year-olds, and 1:20 for school-age. Group sizes must not exceed double the ratio number.

How much does it cost to start a daycare in Arizona?

Total startup costs range from $15,000 to $80,000+. Major costs include facility lease/renovation ($7,000-$48,000), furniture and equipment ($5,000-$20,000), insurance ($1,200-$3,000/year), and background checks ($67 per person).

Do I need workers’ compensation for a daycare in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona requires workers’ comp for all employers with one or more employees. This applies from your very first hire – even part-time staff.

How long does it take to get a daycare license in Arizona?

Plan for 3-6 months from application to opening. Start early with Fingerprint Clearance Cards (6-8 weeks processing) and facility preparation.

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About the Author

Robert Smith has run a licensed private investigation firm for 8 years from the Florida-Georgia state line - where he learned firsthand how wildly business licensing rules differ between states just miles apart. He personally researched requirements across all 50 states and D.C., reviewing hundreds of government sources over hundreds of hours to build guides he wished existed when he started. Not a lawyer or accountant - just a business owner who has done the research so you don't have to.

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