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 familiy child care providers to care for up to four children in their home.

Become a Certified DES Child Care Provider

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.

Arizona ECE Standards:
- Arizona Early Learning Standards (Ages 3-5)
- Arizona's Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines (Birth to 3)

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 which are licensed or approved to provide child care services participate in CACFP. For-profie centers that serve lower income children may also be eligible to participate.