If you're considering turning your passion of working with children into a profitable business, then starting a daycare might be the right business for you. Before starting and operating a daycare in Alaska, you’ll need to understand the licensing requirements and rules to open a home-based or center-based program. 

In this guide we’ll cover the different license types and requirements in Alaska. We’ll also include information on how to apply for a license and remain compliant. 

Do I need a childcare license in Alaska?

The Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office (CCPO) regulates childcare licensing in Alaska. According to the department, you must get a childcare license if you provide care for more than four non-related children.  

However, there are some exemptions from licensing requirements. The following facilities and childcare program arrangements are exempt from the mandatory licensure requirements:

• Facilities that regularly provide child care while the parent is on the premises and reasonably close to the child
• Facilities located on a US Department of Defense federal property
• US Department of Defense or the US Coast Guard certified childcare facilities
•  Recreational programs that don’t assume responsibility for child care
• Programs whose main function is educational and certified as pre-elementary schools
• Facilities caring for less than four non-related children
• Temporary facilities that care for a specific one-time event, like a conference or weekend seminar

According to Alaska child care regulations, the department regulates three types of childcare programs:

• Child care homes: Licensed to provide care for up to eight children in the provider’s home
• Child care group homes: Licensed to provide care for nine to 12 children in the provider’s home
• Child care centers: Licensed to provide care for 13 or more children

Childcare licensing requirements in Alaska

Before starting a daycare business, you must familiarize yourself with the Alaska child care licensing requirements. Whether you are opening a center-based program or starting a preschool at home, there are specific regulations you must meet in order to legally provide care. 

Child care homes

A child care home must be run by an administrator at least 21 years old. The administrator must:

• Have one year of experience managing a child care home; or
• Have twelve semester hours of college credit in early childhood development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent; or
• Hold a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Montessori Certificate; or
• Have a bachelor's degree in early child development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent.
• Participate in continuing education by obtaining at least three semester hours of college credit in courses relevant to child care and development every two years. This requirement applies to administrators without a bachelor's degree. 

Caregiver-to-child ratio

• A child care home must have at least one caregiver/administrator caring for no more than eight children.

Child care group homes

An administrator and a caregiver must manage a child care group home. An administrator must be at least 21 years old, while a caregiver must be at least 18 years old. The administrator must:

• Have one year of experience managing a child care home; or
• Twelve semester hours of college credit in early childhood development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent; or
• Hold a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Montessori Certificate; or
• Have a bachelor's degree in early child development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent.
• Participate in continuing education by obtaining at least three semester hours of college credit in courses relevant to child care and development every two years. This requirement applies to administrators without a bachelor's degree. 

A caregiver must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete a child care training course or demonstrate competency in child care.

Child-to-caregiver ratio

A child care group home must have at least two caregivers. One caregiver must be the administrator and should care for no more than 12 children.

Child care centers

A child care center must have an administrator and a child care associate. The administrator and child care associate must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have one year of experience managing a child care home; or
• Twelve semester hours of college credit in early childhood development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent; or
• Hold a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Montessori Certificate; or
• Have a bachelor's degree in early child development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent.
• Participate in continuing education by obtaining at least three semester hours of college credit in courses relevant to child care and development every two years. This requirement applies to administrators without a bachelor's degree.

Caregiver-to-child ratios

• Infant: 1:5
• Toddler: 1:6
• Preschooler: 1:10
• Kindergartener: 1:14
• School-age: 1:18

Childcare license application in Alaska

Here's a quick summary of the steps required to apply for an Alaska childcare license. More information on the comprehensive process can be found here.

Step 1: Contact child care program office

First, you should contact the Alaska Child Care Program Office (CCPO) regional office (email: CCPO@alaska.gov or call toll-free statewide at 888-268-4632) to inquire about childcare licensing in Alaska. A childcare licensing staff will refer you to the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) childcare licensing office (CCL) or the CCPO website for an Application for Provisional Child Care License packet.

Step 2: Complete and submit your application

Complete and submit the Application for Provisional Child Care License CC52 form with the necessary information required for daycare license consideration. You must pay a plan review fee if you're an MOA applicant:

• 1 to 8 children: $30.00
• 9 to 20 children: $30.00
• 21 to 80 children: $65.00
• 81 plus children: $130.00

You can submit your Application for Provisional Child Care License packet through the mail, email, fax, or in person at one of the Child Care Program Office (CCPO) regional offices.

The below information must also be included in your application:

• CPR and first aid certification
• State of Alaska business license
• Plan of operation
• Fire inspection report
• Food service (child care centers only)
• Well water test
• Septic system inspection
• Business permit

Step 3: Complete a criminal history background check

All childcare providers must complete a criminal history background check with fingerprints before your request is processed. Criminal history background check applications must be submitted to the Alaska Background Check Program (BCP). 

Step 4: Prepare for an onsite facility inspection and orientation

After you submit your application, you’ll be assigned a childcare licensing specialist to take you through the orientation and facility inspection. The licensing specialist will provide you with a copy of the childcare licensing inspection checklist and addendum. 

During orientation, there will be a thorough review of the childcare licensing laws and regulations. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns. 

Prepare to pay a license fee if you're an MOA applicant. The fee is due before the onsite pre-licensing inspection and depends on your facility's capacity. 

Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

• 1 to 8 children: $50.00
• 9 to 20 children: $125.00
• 21 to 80 children: $250.00
• 81 plus children: $375.00

Step 5: Wait for approval

The department will review your application and issue an approval or denial after 90 days. If your application is successful, you’ll be issued a provisional license valid for one year. The license is effective starting the first day of the following month. 

During this time, the department will monitor your facility through scheduled and impromptu inspections for total compliance with the child care regulations. 

Obtaining a childcare license is one of the first steps to starting your business. After you have an understanding of the specific regulations, you’re ready to start writing your business plan and choosing a compelling name for your center. To help grow your business, determine your marketing strategies as part of your business plan. This will help you target your ideal customers and attract new families to your program. 

In order to get your center up and running, you’ll also need organized systems in place to help you manage your day-to-day tasks. A tool like brightwheel’s center management feature consolidates all your operations in one centralized location, streamlining your enrollment process, record keeping, and reporting. You can save time on administrative tasks and scale your business when you’re ready.

How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Alaska

You will need to comply with all pertinent childcare licensing laws and regulations to renew your license, eventually leading to a biennial license. The process involves submitting an Application for Biennial Child Care License and mandatory facility inspection. You can obtain the application packet from your local child care licensing regional office. Your request for a biennial license shall be granted in 90 days. 

Start a daycare in Alaska

Starting a daycare in Alaska can be very rewarding if you love working with children. By familiarizing yourself with the licensing requirements, fees, ratios, and training requirements set by the state, you will be well on your way to becoming a licensed daycare provider. With preparation and the right resources, your center can impact the lives of children and families in your community.