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Alabama Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Alabama.

Part of the Alabama compliance guide. Looking for ratios, subsidy rules, and licensing info across all program types? Alabama Childcare Licensing Requirements: Full Guide →
Alabama Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference
Ages servedTypically 2.5–5 years (verify with AL DHR)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)1:12, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)Alabama Department of Human Resources — Office of Child Care Licensing
Regulatory codeAlabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers)

Alabama preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Alabama must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Alabama Department of Human Resources under Alabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers).

Program typeStaff:child ratioMax group sizeNotes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years) 1:12 —
3yr = 1:12; 30–36mo = 1:10

Source: Alabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers), Alabama Department of Human Resources. Always verify current ratios with AL DHR.

Alabama preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Alabama childcare center license require a director meeting Alabama Department of Human Resources’s qualification standards under Alabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Alabama must meet minimum education requirements set by Alabama Department of Human Resources. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Alabama Department of Human Resources for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Alabama-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Alabama

Private preschool programs in Alabama follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Alabama Department of Human Resources:

  1. Determine which licensing pathway applies: Alabama Department of Human Resources center license (private preschool).
  2. For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Alabama Department of Human Resources — Office of Child Care Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
  3. Ensure the director meets Alabama Department of Human Resources’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
  4. Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under Alabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers).
  5. Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Alabama Department of Human Resources — Office of Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://dhr.alabama.gov

Keep your Alabama preschool running — not drowning in paperwork.

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Digital check-in Parent sign-in/sign-out with timestamps — eliminates paper sign-in sheets and satisfies AL DHR documentation requirements.
Lesson planning Document daily activities and developmental observations aligned with state early learning standards.
Subsidy billing Manage subsidy invoicing alongside private-pay tuition — no dual systems needed.
See brightwheel for preschools →

Frequently asked questions: Alabama preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Alabama need a childcare center license?
Yes — private preschool programs in Alabama that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Alabama Department of Human Resources under Alabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:12 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Alabama Department of Human Resources for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).
What teaching credential does a Alabama preschool teacher need?
Alabama preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Alabama Department of Human Resources under Alabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Alabama Department of Human Resources for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.
What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Alabama preschool classroom?
For private preschool programs licensed by Alabama Department of Human Resources in Alabama, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:12, with a maximum group size of —. Contact AL DHR to verify the current ratio requirement.
Are there state-funded preschool options in Alabama?
Alabama may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Alabama Department of Human Resources or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.
How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Alabama?
Kindergarten in Alabama is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Alabama Department of Human Resources. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Alabama Department of Human Resources under Alabama Admin. Code Ch. 660-5-26 (Standards for Day Care Centers) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Alabama Department of Human Resources for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Alabama Department of Human Resources before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Alabama Childcare Center Requirements, Alabama Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Alabama Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Alabama Department of Human Resources at https://dhr.alabama.gov before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.