Licensed Daycare in Arkansas
Find the right daycare in Arkansas in under 5 minutes. 1,404 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Arkansas licensing records.
Arkansas childcare by the numbers
Arkansas Childcare Licensing
In Arkansas, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:6 for infants under 12 months, 1:9 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:12 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Arkansas: Arkansas has among the country's lowest infant daycare costs ($820/mo). DHS Better Beginnings quality-rating system stars providers 1–3 — look for 3-star providers, which exceed minimum standards.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
- Infant ratio
- 1:6
- Toddler ratio
- 1:9
- Preschool ratio
- 1:12
- Avg infant cost
- $820/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $640/mo
Arkansas Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Arkansas runs about $9,840/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Arkansas center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Arkansas
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Check eligibility for Arkansas CCDF Voucher Program. Most Arkansas families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Arkansas often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (501) 682-4891.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education database and tour during operating hours.
Arkansas Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Arkansas families can apply for Arkansas CCDF Voucher Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (501) 682-4891
Official Arkansas & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Arkansas — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Arkansas is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Arkansas?
How much does daycare cost in Arkansas?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Arkansas?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Arkansas daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Arkansas
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programArkansas CCDF Voucher Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(501) 682-4891 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Arkansas are compiled from official Arkansas DHS — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 1,404 Licensed Arkansas Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.