Required components for starting-up a new child care program and/or expanding an existing child care program: 1. Regulatory Status - he child care program must be regulated and remain in good standing with the appropriate regulatory agency. Regulated means licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensure (ADHS) or certified the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care (DES). The regulatory agency must approve the additional slots for children and update the license for applicants expanding their programs. a. Regulatory status of the startup or expansion program is required through one of the following regulatory bodies: i. DHS Licensed Child Care Center for child care centers who serve five or more children for compensation. ii. Department of Economic Security (DES) Certified Family Child Care Homes for home providers regulated and monitored by DES. These providers may care for no more than 4 unrelated children at one time for compensation, and up to 6 children total, including the provider’s own children. They may care for no more than 2 children under one-year-old. DES Certified home providers have an Arizona Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance and they are fingerprinted for a criminal background check. They have provided proof of current training in CPR and first aid. Their homes are inspected by DES for a wide variety of health and safety standards...
