Licensed Daycare in Arizona
Find the right daycare in Arizona in under 5 minutes. 3,354 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Arizona Department of Health Services — Child Care Licensing. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Arizona licensing records.
Arizona childcare by the numbers
Arizona Childcare Licensing
In Arizona, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services — Child Care Licensing. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:13 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Arizona: Arizona daycare clusters in Phoenix and Tucson metros where competition keeps prices below the West-region average. AZDHS licensing emphasizes outdoor safety due to heat — providers must maintain shade and indoor air conditioning.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Arizona Department of Health Services — Child Care Licensing
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:8
- Preschool ratio
- 1:13
- Avg infant cost
- $1,050/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $780/mo
Arizona Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Arizona runs about $12,600/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 Arizona center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Arizona
-
1
Check eligibility for AZ DES Child Care Assistance. Most Arizona families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
-
2
Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Arizona often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (602) 542-4248.
-
3
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.
-
4
Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Arizona Department of Health Services — Child Care Licensing database and tour during operating hours.
Arizona Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Arizona families can apply for AZ DES Child Care Assistance 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: (602) 542-4248
Official Arizona & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Arizona — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Arizona is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Arizona?
How much does daycare cost in Arizona?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Arizona?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Arizona daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Arizona
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 programAZ DES Child Care Assistance can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(602) 542-4248 · 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 Arizona Department of Health Services — Child Care Licensing.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Arizona are compiled from official Arizona Department of Health Services — Child Care Licensing 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 3,354 Licensed Arizona Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.