As sponsored by the Licensing Unit within the Office of Early Childhood, this is the entry level training for all interested in providing child care services in Arkansas. 

This training is required in order to open a family child care home or child care center in Arkansas. 

We offer this training in-person and online monthly.

Pre-Licensing Schedule

Pre-Licensing Resources

  • All Child Care providers are required to have an account on the Enterprise Licensing System (ELS).

    This free system is used to submit your application, see your licensing reports, and pay your annual fee.

    Create your Account HERE.

  • View Minimum Licensing Requirements for your program type HERE.

    If you have questions, concerns, or need to contact the Licensing Specialist for your area, please call the OEC Licensing Unit at (501) 682-8590.

  • Visit the Office of Early Childhood Child Care Licensing HERE.

    Step -by-step guide to apply for license HERE.

  • Learn How to Submit Background Checks HERE.

    Visit the Online Criminal Background Check System HERE.

  • Submit Child Maltreatment Registry Check Request HERE.

    Learn how to submit Child Maltreatment Checks HERE.

  • Schedule your Fingerprint through Arkansas Department of Human Services HERE.

  • Visit Arkansas Professional Development Registry (PDR) HERE.

    For assistance call A-State Childhood Services at 870-972-3055.

  • Newly licensed caregivers shall attend within the first six months of being licensed:
    - Family Child Care Provider Training
    - BAS

    All direct caregivers shall complete:
    - New Staff Orientation in addition to basic orientation prior to being left alone with children.

    All caregivers shall obtain 15 hours of early childhood training annually.

  • All directors shall attend within the first six months of employment:
    - New Director’s Orientation
    - PAS & ERS training

    All direct caregivers shall complete:
    - New Staff Orientation in addition to basic orientation prior to being left alone with children.

    All caregivers shall obtain 15 hours of approved early childhood training annually.

  • These calls occur the first Tuesday of every month at 12:00pm, with the goal to provide you with information and to answer questions about child care.

    • Join via phone:
      301-715-8592   
      ID: 959 5436 3354 

    • Join via computer:
      Click HERE
      ID: 959 5436 3354 

    Past Provider Calls can be accessed HERE.

  • Provides up-to-date training information delivered to your inbox.

    Subscribe HERE.

  • Access Director’s Orientation through A-State Childhood Services HERE.

  • Access Details HERE.

    Contact:
    Mattie@wrpdd.org

  • View Financial Assistance & Resources for Providers HERE.

  • View HERE.

  • Access the Excluded Provider Search HERE.

  • For free business management consulting or technical assistance fill out a request form HERE.

  • View Arkansas Better Beginnings HERE.

    Marasha Grimes
    Better Beginnings Specialist

    Marasha.grimes@ade.arkansas.gov

    501-910-6417