Day-Care Center Regulations in Arizona

Knowing day-care regulations can help you find a safe one for your children.

Arizona day-care centers are required to comply with basic licensing regulations. For day-care providers, knowledge of these rules is mandatory. However, learning them yourself can help you choose a safe day care for your child.

Staffing

Arizona child-to-teacher ratios depend on the children's ages and square footage dedicated to indoor activities. The maximum number of children a day-care center can provide care for is listed on its license, which must be posted in an area visible to parents or guardians.

Procedures

Arizona day-care centers are required to give parents a handbook that includes a statement of services. This outlines the mandatory policies and procedures, including operating hours and daily activity schedule.

Emergencies

In a non-life-threatening emergency, a day-care center's director must first contact the child's parents or two of the emergency contacts in the child's file. If contact cannot be made, then 911 or Child Protective Services must be called. If the emergency is life-threatening, 911 must be called first.

Medicine

If a school chooses to dispense medicine, then each bottle must have the child's name, dosage and medication times. A written log must be kept with the medication.

Inspections

Inspections to determine regulation compliance are held once a year. If a center continues to fail inspections, more will occur to encourage compliance.

References

• Arizona Department of Health: A Parent's Guide to Child Care
• Daycare.com: Arizona Licensing Standards for Day-Care Centers

Resources

• Arizona Department of Health, Division of Licensing Services