Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Little Rock, AR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Little Rock / Pulaski County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Arkansas Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education — Child Care License

Child care centers in Arkansas must be licensed by the Division of Child Care. Requires background checks, facility inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

$50–$150 depending on capacity6–12 weeks
Official government source
2

City of Little Rock Finance Department — Business License

Little Rock requires a Business License for all businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes license applications. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

Pulaski County / Little Rock Building and Fire Safety Inspection

Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

Arkansas State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Sales Tax Permit

Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Arkansas. Arkansas charges a 6.5% state sales tax; local city and county taxes are additional. Register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

FreeImmediate (online via Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point)
Official government source
2

Arkansas Background Check Requirement

All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Arkansas child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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