How to Become a DES Certified Family Child Care Provider: Steps and Requirements

Have you been searching for a job that allows you to stay home and care for your children while earning extra income for your family? Becoming a certified child care provider is an opportunity to leverage your caregiving skills, earn extra money, and make a meaningful difference for kids and families in your community—not to mention own your own business!

The Department of Economic Security (DES) understands the importance of supporting those who want to become certified family child care providers with DES and Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R). CCR&R can provide resources and assistance throughout the certification process, ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.

Meeting the Growing Need for Child Care Providers in Arizona

As the demand for quality child care increases, DES is building a network of family child care providers who can offer nurturing, home-based environments. By becoming a certified provider, you can care for up to four children in your own home, giving parents a trusted option for their child’s care. Home settings can be especially beneficial for children who thrive in smaller, more personalized environments, such as sensory-sensitive or immunocompromised.

The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Family Child Care Provider

Operating a family child care business from home offers flexibility, allowing you to set your schedule and balance work with your personal life. As a certified provider, you’ll give parents peace of mind by meeting state standards for safety and quality. Additionally, DES provides ongoing support and free professional development opportunities to help you succeed in your role while staying current with the latest child care best practices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Certification

Becoming a DES certified family child care provider is straightforward and supported by DES every step of the way. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key steps:

Step1: Getting Started

• Review the Requirements: Before moving forward, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria:
  • 18+ years of age
  • Background check for provider and all household members 18+
  • Fingerprint clearance card for provider and all household members 18+
  • Current immunization records for provider and family members age 13 and younger
  • Current proof of freedom from tuberculosis for providers and household members
  • Child care liability insurance
  • Three personal or professional references
  • A safe, healthy, and child friendly home environment
• Complete the Pre-Application Process: Visit AZFamilyChildCare.com to learn more about the process. Watch the pre-application video, then complete the pre-application form.
• Watch the Orientation Video: Once DES has received your pre-application, you’ll receive an email with a link to the orientation video covering safety requirements and your role as a family child care provider. After watching, complete a brief questionnaire to confirm your readiness to proceed.

Step 2: Completing the Application

• Complete Part I of the Application: Once DES receives your questionnaire, you’ll be sent Part I of the application, asking for basic information about you and your household.
• Introductory Call with a Surveyor: DES will assign a certification surveyor to guide you. They’ll schedule a phone call to discuss the next steps and answer any questions.
• Meeting with Your Surveyor: After receiving your information packet, your surveyor will schedule an in-person meeting at your home or another location to assist you with the forms.

Step 3: Finalizing Certification

• Home Consultation: Your surveyor will visit your home to conduct a safety inspection and ensure everything is up to standard. They may suggest updates, like securing outlets or locking away hazardous materials. DES can offer reimbursement for compliance-related expenses.
• Final Inspection and Certification: Once your home meets all safety standards, your surveyor will conduct a final inspection. You’ll also receive essential business forms, such as sign-in/out sheets and other documentation for your child care business.

Ongoing Support

Once certified, you will be assigned a new surveyor to serve as your ongoing point of contact. In addition to providing continual support, this surveyor will point you to community resources and other opportunities and supports that will help your business succeed.

Taking the First Step

Becoming a certified family child care provider offers a rewarding way to contribute to your community while creating a flexible career that fits your life. To start the process, visit AZFamilyChildCare.com and submit your pre-application form today!