How to know which DES Contracted Child Care Provider
you Want to Become - DES Option
Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS)
Before becoming an Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) contracted Child Care Center or Group Home, you must become licensed through DHS. The following documents include general information about the licensing process for anyone interested in providing child care for 5 or more children either in a center-based program or in their own home.
● Licensed Child Care Center
● Certified Child Care Group Home
● Licensed Child Care Center
● Certified Child Care Group Home
Applying for a Child Care License or Certificate
In order to provide child care for 5 or more children in Arizona, you must apply for a license or certificate with DHS. The packets below are based on the location and type of setting in which the child care will take place: a commercial building, a public school campus, or a residential home. If your program will be located on a public school campus, providing care for children ages 3-14, please complete the Public School Building Information Form in the application packet. All other center applicants must complete the Child Care Center Physical Plant Evaluation.
● Child Care Center Initial License Application
● Child Care Group Home Initial Certificate Application
NOTE: You may need to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader™ to view these portfolios. If you already have Acrobat Reader, download the file to your computer before opening the file.
The packets must be completed and turned in prior to an initial inspection. Once DHS determines that the applicant is in substantial compliance with regulatory requirements, DHS will issue an initial license.
The presentation below is intended to help you prepare for the initial inspection. The initial inspection will occur after the license application is approved by the Bureau. Upon approval, the inspection can be scheduled with your assigned Licensing Surveyor. To help ensure that your facility will be in substantial compliance for your initial inspection, please review the presentation prior to the inspection. If you have any questions specific to your facility, please contact your assigned Licensing Surveyor.
● Are You Ready for your Initial Child Care Center Inspection?
● Are You Ready for Your Initial Child Care Home Inspection?
● Child Care Center Initial License Application
● Child Care Group Home Initial Certificate Application
NOTE: You may need to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader™ to view these portfolios. If you already have Acrobat Reader, download the file to your computer before opening the file.
The packets must be completed and turned in prior to an initial inspection. Once DHS determines that the applicant is in substantial compliance with regulatory requirements, DHS will issue an initial license.
The presentation below is intended to help you prepare for the initial inspection. The initial inspection will occur after the license application is approved by the Bureau. Upon approval, the inspection can be scheduled with your assigned Licensing Surveyor. To help ensure that your facility will be in substantial compliance for your initial inspection, please review the presentation prior to the inspection. If you have any questions specific to your facility, please contact your assigned Licensing Surveyor.
● Are You Ready for your Initial Child Care Center Inspection?
● Are You Ready for Your Initial Child Care Home Inspection?
DES Contracted child Care Center or Group Home
After becoming DHS licensed, you can decide to contract with DES. This contract ensures you can provide child care for children who receive DES subsidy.
DES Certified Family Child Care Provider
The DES certifies family child care providers to care for up to four children for compensation in their home. There is a particular need for providers who care for infants and for homes that are available to provide care during evening, night, and weekend hours, as well as weekdays.
