Do all after-school programs in Tempe need an Arizona child-care license?

Not always; whether a license is required depends on ADHS definitions such as hours of care and whether the program is caring for unrelated children. Check ADHS licensing criteria and city program rules.

Who must complete background checks?

Staff and volunteers who have unsupervised access to children generally must complete fingerprint-based background checks as required by state licensing or by city policy for city-run programs.

How do I report a safety or licensing concern about an after-school program?

Report licensed child-care concerns to ADHS through their complaint process and report concerns about city programs to Tempe Parks & Recreation or the city complaint portal.

Tempe After-School Program Licensing and Background Checks

Education Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

In Tempe, Arizona, organizers of after-school programs must follow both city policies for city-run activities and state child-care licensing and background-check rules for programs that meet the state definition of child care. This article explains which offices are involved, where to find official applications and fingerprint services, common compliance steps, and how enforcement and appeals typically work for programs operating in Tempe public facilities or serving children in the city.

Who regulates after-school programs in Tempe

City-run programs are administered by the City of Tempe Parks & Recreation or Community Services, while state child-care licensing and screening requirements are administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). For criminal-background fingerprinting and statewide background checks, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) is the official channel for electronic fingerprinting and records. For details on city program rules and schedules, consult the Parks & Recreation pages and city program coordinators. Tempe Parks & Recreation^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement depends on the jurisdiction: the City of Tempe enforces city-level policies for programs run on city property, while ADHS enforces Arizona child-care licensing statutes and administrative rules for licensed child-care programs. Specific civil fines, daily penalties, or statutory amounts for violations are not specified on the cited pages; consult the ADHS licensing pages and Tempe program policy pages for exact sanction language and amounts. Arizona Department of Health Services - Child Care Licensing^[2]

If you plan to start an after-school program that cares for unrelated children for more than a few hours, check ADHS licensing criteria first.

Enforcer: ADHS for licensed child-care programs; City of Tempe Parks & Recreation or Community Services for city-run programs.
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease operation, corrective directives, license suspension or revocation, and referral to court may apply depending on the enforcing agency.
Inspections & complaints: complaints about licensed child-care are submitted to ADHS; complaints about city programs can be directed to Tempe Parks & Recreation or the city complaint portal.

Applications & Forms

State licensing applications and regulatory guidance are published by ADHS. Background checks and fingerprinting are processed through AZ DPS fingerprint services; fees and submission instructions are listed on the official pages. If a specific Tempe city form governs use of city facilities for programs, that form is published by Tempe Parks & Recreation or the City Clerk. See ADHS and AZ DPS for application names and how to submit electronically. Arizona DPS fingerprinting services^[3]

Common violations and typical outcomes

Operating without required state license when the program meets ADHS definitions.
Failure to conduct or document required background checks for staff or volunteers.
Noncompliance with staff-to-child ratios or safety requirements.

City and state agencies may issue corrective orders before imposing monetary penalties.

How to comply — practical steps

Confirm whether your program meets ADHS definitions of child care that require licensing.
Register and apply for any required ADHS license; gather documentation and facility plans.
Complete fingerprint-based background checks for all staff using AZ DPS procedures.
Contact Tempe Parks & Recreation if using city facilities to learn about additional city permits, scheduling, and facility-use agreements.

FAQ

Do all after-school programs in Tempe need an Arizona child-care license?: Not always; whether a license is required depends on ADHS definitions such as hours of care and whether the program is caring for unrelated children. Check ADHS licensing criteria and city program rules.
Who must complete background checks?: Staff and volunteers who have unsupervised access to children generally must complete fingerprint-based background checks as required by state licensing or by city policy for city-run programs.
How do I report a safety or licensing concern about an after-school program?: Report licensed child-care concerns to ADHS through their complaint process and report concerns about city programs to Tempe Parks & Recreation or the city complaint portal.

How-To

Determine if your program meets the ADHS definition of child care that requires licensing.
Gather documentation: staff lists, facility layout, emergency plans, and policies.
Submit the ADHS licensing application and pay any listed fees per ADHS guidance.
Register staff for fingerprint-based background checks through AZ DPS and retain receipts or clearance notices.
If using city facilities, apply for a facility-use agreement with Tempe Parks & Recreation and follow any city-specific requirements.

Key Takeaways

ADHS enforces state child-care licensing; Tempe enforces city program policies.
Fingerprint-based background checks through AZ DPS are a standard requirement for personnel screening.