FAQ for ECE Administrators
How do I apply for licensing for an early education program?
Licensing is a requirement for most early childhood programs and is conducted by the Arizona Department of Health Services
What are the recommended Child:Teacher ratios?
| Age Group | High Quality Program Guidelines | Licensing Requirements |
| Infants | 1:4 No more than 8 per group | 1:5 or 2:11 |
| 1-year-old children | 1:5 No more than 10 per group | 1:6 or 2:13 |
| 2-year-old children | 1:6 No more than 12 per group | 1:8 |
| 3-year-old children | 1:9 No more than 18 per group | 1:13 |
| 4-year-old children | 1:10 No more than 18 per group | 1:13 |
5-year-old children (not school-age) | 1:10 No more than 20 per group | 1:20 |
| School-age children | No more than 20 per group | 1:20 |
| Source: | Program Guidelines for High Quality Early Education: Birth through Kindergarten Program Guidelines 1.3.a (pg. 10) | Arizona Administrative Code & Arizona Revised Statutes for Child Care Facilities R9-5-404 (pg. 29) |
What funding options are available for early childhood education in Arizona?
Arizona ECE Funding Manual:
- Supporting & Sustaining Early Learning: Funding Options for Early Childhood Education in Arizona
- Provides an overview of Federal, State & Local funding sources for early childhood education programs in Arizona.
- Allowable/disallowable costs are highlighted for each funding source
How do I become a DES Provider?
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) oversees certification of family child care providers to care for up to four children in their home.
How do I choose an ECE curriculum?
The Arizona Department of Education does not endorse or recommend a specific curriculum or program philosophy as those decisions are solely determined by districts and/or program administrators. It is recommended that programs focus on choosing a research-based curriculum for early education programs and implementing approved standards.
What is the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meal reimbursement program helping Child Care Centers and Family Day Care Homes (FDCHs) provide well-balanced, healthy, and nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible enrolled children.
A variety of public or private nonprofit child care centers and Head Start programs that are licensed or approved to provide child care services participate in CACFP. For-profit centers that serve lower-income children may also be eligible to participate.