Questions about AZ home childcare

[Unregistered]

Hello everyone, I run an in home childcare in Az and it was my understanding when I started that if I watch 4 children in my home (other than my own) for compensation on a regular basis, that I do not need to be licensed or certified. Is this correct? I'm having a hard time finding the correct legislation/documentation to get a clear answer on this.
Thanks!

[Blackcat31]

https://www.daycare.com/arizona/

Hopefully you can find the answers you need in the link above.

[Unregistered]

You do not need to be licensed in the State of AZ. It's a good idea to be regulated through the food program.

You can watch up to six kids, but you can only claim four on your menus even if you are licensed. (which is stupid) You still have to sign in six kids, but will only be compensated for four of them.

Licensing is the state of AZ is so hard for in home providers that they make it undesirable. I hope things have changed some, but at one time, you were expected to move all your light switches down, move the electric plugs up high, install ceiling fans in all rooms, and hang exit signs above all doors. (among other things) I think most of those have changed, but I'm not too sure.

[Christian Mother]

Yes you are correct!!

**In lic. they are slightly diff. In Child care homes; the ratio needs to be maintained at one caregiver for every five children. The provider's and caregiver's own children are included in the ratio. A provider may care for up to 10 children for compensation, plus an additional 5 children for whom there is no compensation, for a total of 15 children maximum. Doesn't really make since right?!!


***Now in the state of AZ we don't need to be lic. as a provider. We can care for 4 or fewer children with compensation and who are not there own, with out be certified. Providers who care for 5 or more children and are compensated are required to be by law to be certified. Now which your own children I understand do not figure into ratio.

Hope this helps!! I found this on www.azdhs.gov/als/guides/guide.pdf

[DesertFlowers]

Thanks for this info, I am also in Arizona and thinking of starting a home daycare. I was wondering if anyone knows the age at which my own children would stop counting towards the ratio if I was licensed. I have a 12 year old and a 16 year old, wondering if they would count.