CHILD-CARE LICENSING

 

 

 

 

The Child-Care Licensing Unit is responsible for licensing all child-care situations where more than five (5) children are cared for and maintaining the Voluntary Registry for persons providing care to five (5) or fewer children who choose to be registered.  The Unit inspects all licensed centers/homes a minimum of three (3) times per year and registered homes at least once per year.  Technical assistance and consultative services are provided to licensed and registered programs, to applicants for licensure, and to parents. 

 

The Unit investigates complaints on licensed and registered facilities and assists the Family Protection Unit, along with the Arkansas State Police, in investigating child maltreatment complaints in these facilities.  The Licensing Unit is also responsible for processing and tracking background checks on all child-care owners/operators and employees through the FBI, the State Police and the Arkansas Central Registry.  Licensing staff insures that appropriate corrective action is taken on any persons found to have a record of child maltreatment or a conviction of a prohibited offense.

 

The Child-Care Licensing Unit was placed within the new Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education following the passage of Act 1132 of 1997.  The Residential Placement Unit, previously a part of the Licensing Unit, stayed with the Division of Children and Family Services.

 

During 1999, the Child-Care Licensing Unit completed the revision of the playground standards for child-care centers and child-care family homes.  Act 1222 of 1999 created the Child-Care Appeal Review Panel to hear appeals of licensing actions.  The Unit has continued to work closely with other units within the Division, and with other Divisions and agencies, to reduce duplication of efforts and to improve both the safety of children in childcare and the quality of services provided.