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Alaska Preschool Licensing Requirements

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

Alaska Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with AK DHSS / DPA)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:13, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance — Child Care Program Office (CCPO)
Regulatory code	7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities)

Alaska preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Alaska must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance under 7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities).

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:13	—	4-year-olds; 3yr verify

Source: 7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities), Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance. Always verify current ratios with AK DHSS / DPA.

Alaska preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Alaska childcare center license require a director meeting Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance’s qualification standards under 7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities). 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 Alaska must meet minimum education requirements set by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Alaska-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 Alaska

Private preschool programs in Alaska follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance — Child Care Program Office (CCPO). The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities).
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance — Child Care Program Office (CCPO).
Official resource: https://hss.state.ak.us

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Frequently asked questions: Alaska preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Alaska need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Alaska that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance under 7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:13 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Alaska preschool teacher need?

Alaska preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance under 7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Alaska preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance in Alaska, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:13, with a maximum group size of —. Contact AK DHSS / DPA to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Alaska?

Alaska may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Alaska?

Kindergarten in Alaska is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance under 7 AAC 57.010–57.990 (Child Care Facilities) 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 Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance 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 Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance — preschool / childcare center licensing
ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Alaska

Also in this guide: Alaska Childcare Center Requirements, Alaska Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Alaska 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 Alaska Department of Health and Social Services — Division of Public Assistance at https://hss.state.ak.us before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.