Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in Alabama?
To start a daycare in Alabama, you need a license from the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) if you care for children unrelated to you, away from their home, for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. Choose a home or center license, apply through DHR's provider portal, pass fire, health, and background checks, and receive a two-year license.
In this guide
Alabama daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Family day care home | Group day care home | Day care center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 6 children | 7 to 12 children, with at least two adults present | More than 12 children during the day |
| Infants | No more than 3 children under 12 months | No more than 6 under 12 months, with one caregiver for every 3 | 1 staff member for every 5 children from birth up to 18 months |
| Minimum age | 18 (licensee) | 18 (licensee) | 19 (director) |
| Education | High school diploma or GED (licensee) | High school diploma or GED, plus training, a credential, or a degree (director) | |
| Training before licensing | 24 clock hours of childcare training, plus current pediatric CPR and first aid | 24 clock hours for the licensee; assistant caregiver 12 hours within 30 days | Director: 120 hours of childcare training (or a CDA, CCP, or degree), plus 20 hours in administration and 4 in quality child care |
| Annual training | 20 clock hours (licensee) | 20 clock hours (licensee); 12 for assistant caregivers | 24 hours (director), 12 (teachers), and 4 (service staff) |
| License term | 2 years; renewal application due at least 30 days before expiration | ||
| Six-month permit | Available at DHR's discretion while you finish meeting standards | ||
Sources: Alabama DHR Licensing Overview, DHR standards for family and group day care homes, and DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers.
Do I need a childcare license in Alabama?
Yes, in most cases. You need a license if you care for one or more children who are not related to you, away from the child's home, for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section H. The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) licenses centers and homes, and you renew your license every two years. Source: Alabama DHR Licensing Overview.
You cannot begin or advertise child care until you receive a license or six-month permit. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section B.
What are the childcare license types in Alabama?
- Day care center. A facility that receives more than 12 children for daytime care during all or part of a day. This includes childcare centers, nursery schools, preschools, pre-kindergartens, and kindergartens. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section A.
- Nighttime center. A facility that receives more than 12 children for care after 7:00 p.m. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section A.
- Family day care home. A family home that receives no more than 6 children for care during the day. A nighttime home has the same limit after 7:00 p.m. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section A.
- Group day care home. A family home that receives at least 7 but no more than 12 children, with at least two adults present and supervising. A group nighttime home has the same limit after 7:00 p.m. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section A.
Alabama issues a single license for childcare facilities whether they operate as a day care or a preschool; preschools fall under the day care center definition. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section A.
Which programs are license-exempt?
You do not need a license if your preschool program is an integral part of a local church ministry or a religious nonprofit elementary school. To be exempt, you must notify DHR at least 30 days before operating, pass a DHR inspection, provide annual fire and health department inspection reports, provide employee criminal history information, carry liability insurance, and meet notice and affidavit requirements. Source: DHR License Exempt Day Care Facilities and DHR license-exempt page. Programs that operate no more than four hours a day for children younger than school age also fall outside the day care center definition. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section A.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Alabama?
Requirements for family and group day care homes
- Location. The home must be your primary residence, and you provide child care inside the family home, not in a separate building. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section C.
- Rental property. If you rent, submit written permission from the property owner with your initial application. You must also submit a written statement of compliance with local zoning. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section C.
- Fire inspection. Submit a written fire department or State Fire Marshal inspection report with no violations cited. Updated inspection reports are due at least every five years, and volunteer fire department inspections are not accepted. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section C.
- Space. At least 32 square feet of usable indoor floor space per licensed child, and at least one fenced outdoor play area of at least 300 square feet (group day care homes need at least 600 square feet). Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Sections C and H.
- Sleep equipment. Provide a crib, playpen, bed, or cot for each child who needs rest or sleep. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section C.
- Licensee. At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, current pediatric CPR and first aid certification, and at least 24 clock hours of childcare training, with at least four hours in each of six areas. After licensing, the licensee completes at least 20 clock hours of training each year. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section D.
- Required topics. The licensee, substitutes, and assistant caregivers need at least one hour from an outside source in each of 11 topic areas before licensing and each year after, including infectious disease control, safe sleep, medication administration, emergency preparedness, child abuse reporting, and first aid and CPR. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section D.
- Health. A medical report with a TB test or chest x-ray for the licensee and each household member, updated at least every two years for the licensee and every four years for household members. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section D.
- Substitutes. At least one substitute who is 18 or older, has a high school diploma or GED, and completes at least 6 clock hours of childcare training. Group day care homes need the licensee, an assistant caregiver, and at least two substitutes. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Sections D and H.
- Background checks. The applicant and each adult household member submit a child abuse and neglect central registry clearance and a criminal history check, updated every five years. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section D and DHR background check instructions.
Capacity and ratios for homes
A family day care home may care for up to 6 children and cannot be licensed for more than 3 children younger than 12 months. A group day care home needs a separate license, cares for 7 to 12 children with at least two adult caregivers present, and cannot be licensed for more than 6 children younger than 12 months, with at least one caregiver for every 3 of them. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Sections B and H.
Requirements for day care centers
- Inspections and zoning. Before you receive a license or permit, submit a written fire department inspection report with no violations cited, a written health department inspection report, and a statement of compliance with local zoning. Fire inspections must be updated at least every five years, and copies are posted in the center. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section C.
- Indoor space. At least 32 square feet of indoor activity space per child, at least one flush toilet and one handwashing sink for every 15 children, and temperatures kept between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section C.
- Outdoor space. For centers licensed after January 22, 2001, at least 60 square feet of outdoor play area per child (for at least half of licensed capacity in centers of 60 or more), enclosed by a fence or wall at least four feet high, with shade and separate play areas for children younger than 2½. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section C.
- Posted information. Post your daily schedule, weekly menus, and the name of the director or staff member in charge. See our tips for weekly menus. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Sections D and F.
- CPR and first aid. At least two staff members age 18 or older with current pediatric CPR and first aid certification must be present during all hours of operation. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section D.
- Background checks. All staff, volunteers, and others with unsupervised access complete a comprehensive background check before they are hired and at least every five years. Source: DHR background check instructions and DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section G.
Alabama day care center staff qualifications
- Director. At least 19 years old with at least 20 clock hours of training in administration and management and at least 4 clock hours in quality childcare. The director also meets one of these: 120 clock hours of childcare training (at least 20 hours in each of six areas), a high school diploma or GED, and 12 months of experience; or a CDA or CCP credential, a high school diploma or GED, and 12 months of experience; or an associate degree in child development or early childhood education and 9 months of experience; or a bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education and 6 months of experience. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section F.
- Teachers and substitutes. At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, and at least 12 clock hours of childcare and child development training within 30 days of employment. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section F.
- Aides. At least 16 years old with at least an eighth grade education, working under a qualified teacher's direct supervision. Aides are not counted in the staff-to-child ratio. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section F.
- Preservice training. The director, teachers, aides, service staff, and substitutes need at least one hour from an outside source in each of 11 topic areas, including infectious disease control, safe sleep, medication administration, emergency preparedness, child abuse reporting, and first aid and CPR. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section F.
Alabama day care center staff-to-child ratios
Required ratios must be maintained at all times. Children younger than 2½ are grouped separately from older children, with an exception for children 24 to 36 months. When ages are mixed, the ratio follows the youngest age if more than 20 percent of the group is in that age category. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section D.
| Age | Staff-to-child ratio |
|---|---|
| 0 up to 18 months | 1:5 |
| 18 months up to 2½ years | 1:7 |
| 24 months up to 36 months | 1:8 |
| 2½ years up to 4 years | 1:11 |
| 4 years up to school age | 1:18 |
| School age up to 8 years | 1:21 |
| 8 years and older | 1:22 |
During napping or resting, the ratio is 1:5 for children up to 18 months, 1:14 for 18 months up to 2½ years, and 1:36 for children 2½ and older, and a qualified staff member must be in each room where children nap. A second staff member age 18 or older must be available on the premises whenever seven or more children are present. See also brightwheel's guide to childcare ratios. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section D.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Alabama?
The steps differ slightly for homes and centers. DHR examines the premises and investigates the people responsible for the program, and issues a license when performance standards are met. Source: Alabama DHR Licensing Process. Application forms are completed and uploaded through the ARISE provider portal, which is linked from the DHR Child Care Services Division page. Source: DHR information for centers and DHR information for homes.
- Contact DHR Child Care Intake. Call 1-866-528-1694 and ask for Child Care Intake, or email childcarelicensingintake@dhr.alabama.gov, with questions about your program type. Source: DHR Child Day Care FAQs and DHR information for centers.
- Gather your documents. Centers submit the application form (DHR-DFC-1946) with operating policies, charges and services policies, any incorporation documents, a fire inspection report, a health department inspection report, a food permit or food service approval, a zoning compliance statement, a floor plan, and an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Homes submit the application form (DHR-CDC-712) with rental permission if applicable, a written statement of ownership, a zoning compliance statement, a fire inspection report, written rules and policies, and an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Source: DHR information for centers and DHR information for homes.
- Submit background checks and medical reports. Submit a child abuse and neglect central registry clearance (DHR-DFC-1598) and a criminal history check for each applicant, owner, and director, and for each adult household member for homes. Include medical reports with TB test results, verification of education and training, and current CPR and first aid certificates for homes. Source: DHR information for centers and DHR information for homes.
- Complete the application attachment. Centers submit a Licensing Application Attachment (DHR-DFC-1945) for each applicant, owner, director, and board member. Source: DHR information for centers.
- Prepare for the DHR visit. A DHR representative inspects the home or center and investigates you as the applicant. You can expect pre-licensing visits by appointment. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section B and DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section B.
- Receive your license or permit. When standards are met, DHR issues a license valid for two years. DHR may issue one six-month permit at its discretion so you have time to meet all standards, and it can be issued once you have met all standards except for providing half of the required equipment. If an application is denied, DHR notifies you in writing with the reasons. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section B and DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section B.
How much do Alabama background checks cost?
Fingerprinting for the criminal history background check costs $47.20 per application through Fieldprint. In-state and interstate child abuse and neglect central registry requests have no processing fee. You must also submit a new request at least every five years. Source: DHR background check instructions.
Whether you open a center-based program or start a preschool at home, it is important to write a comprehensive childcare business plan, choose a memorable childcare program name, and use the best marketing strategies to attract new families. Once you are licensed, childcare management software can help you run your program. Compare other states in brightwheel's childcare licensing requirements by state.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.”
Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
How do I stay compliant with my Alabama daycare license?
- Renew on time. A license is valid for two years. Submit your renewal application at least 30 calendar days before the expiration date on the required form. If your renewal is timely and complete, your license stays in effect until DHR decides. If it is late, the license expires, and operating after that is reported to the District Attorney and the Attorney General as operating an unlicensed facility. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section B and DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section B.
- Display your license. Post your current license or permit where parents can easily see it. Source: DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section B.
- Stay within capacity. Never exceed the number or age range of children on your license or permit, including children on the premises, in transit, and on field trips. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section B.
- Keep training current. Centers: directors complete 24 clock hours of training each year, teachers 12, and service staff 4, and CPR and first aid do not count toward those hours. Homes: licensees complete at least 20 clock hours each year. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section F and DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Section D.
- Update medical, fire, and background records. Centers need staff medical statements at least every four years and background checks at least every five years. Homes update the licensee's medical report every two years and fire inspection reports at least every five years. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Sections C and F and DHR standards for family and group day care homes, Sections C and D.
- Report changes and incidents. Centers report changes in ownership, location, director, board members, alterations, and major schedule changes in writing before they happen, and report serious injuries, deaths, and abuse or neglect investigation outcomes within 24 hours. A center must not keep operating after a change in ownership or location until a new license, permit, or approval is issued. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section H.
- Expect unannounced visits. DHR makes annual visits to check compliance or investigate a complaint without prior notice. Source: DHR standards for day care and nighttime centers, Section B. Use our checklist for starting a childcare business to stay organized.
What financial resources are available for Alabama childcare providers?
Yes. Grants are financial awards from government agencies or private foundations that do not need to be repaid. You can use them for facility updates, equipment, or staff training. Review the current grants for childcare providers in Alabama to find options that fit your program. DHR does not provide start-up funding for new childcare facilities. Source: DHR Child Day Care FAQs.
- Child Care Subsidy Program. Accepting subsidies helps low- and moderate-income families afford care while you earn steady revenue. Source: DHR Subsidized Child Care.
- Small business loans. Consider loans from local banks or credit unions that support childcare entrepreneurs.
- USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The program reimburses nutritious meals and snacks served to enrolled children. DHR directs providers to the State Department of Education at 334-242-8249. Learn more about CACFP software. Source: DHR Child Day Care FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a childcare license and a preschool license in Alabama?
There is no separate preschool license in Alabama. The Department of Human Resources (DHR) issues a single license for childcare facilities, and preschools, nursery schools, and kindergartens are included in the day care center definition when they receive more than 12 children.
How long is an Alabama childcare license valid?
An Alabama day care center or home license is valid for two years. You must submit your renewal application at least 30 calendar days before the license expires, or the license will expire on the date shown.
How much does an Alabama childcare background check cost?
Fingerprinting for the criminal history check costs $47.20 per application through Fieldprint. In-state and interstate child abuse and neglect central registry requests have no processing fee, and checks must be updated at least every five years.
Can I run a home daycare from an apartment in Alabama?
Possibly. The home must be your primary residence, and if you rent you must submit written permission from the property owner and a written statement of compliance with local zoning. You also need a written fire inspection report with no violations cited.
What training do I need to open a home daycare in Alabama?
The licensee needs at least 24 clock hours of childcare training, current pediatric CPR and first aid certification, and at least one hour in each of 11 required topic areas. After licensing, the licensee completes at least 20 clock hours of training each year.
Are church preschools exempt from licensing in Alabama?
You do not need a license if your preschool program is an integral part of a local church ministry or a religious nonprofit elementary school, but you must notify DHR at least 30 days before operating, pass a DHR inspection, and meet annual inspection, insurance, criminal history, and parent notice requirements.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in Alabama. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication, and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
