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Alabama Department of Human Resources Minimum Standards
Child care programs receive a license if they comply with Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers. Compliance is based on documentation submitted to DHR or shown during an annual inspection. Below is a summary of the Alabama’s Minimum Standards for licensing.
Prior to receiving a license, the child care facility must submit a written fire and health department inspection report with no violations cited.
All staff members working in a licensed child care facility are required to have criminal background checks and clearances from the State Central Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect.
Written documentation of a current infant-child First Aid and CPR certificate should be on file for at least one staff present at the center during hours of operation.
A plan for the evacuation and care of the children in case of a fire, tornado, serious accident or injury, or power failure should be established and posted in a conspicuous plan in the center.
Child care programs cannot exceed the following staff-to-child ratios:
0 – 18 months = 1 to 5
18 months – 2 ½ years = 1 to 7
24 months – 36 months = 1 to 8
2 ½ years – 4 years = 1 to 11
4 years – school age = 1 to 18
Teachers must have a high school diploma or GED and at least 12 clock hours of training in child care and development each year.
The director has to meet at least one of the following education requirements:
A high school diploma or GED, 120 clock hours of training in child care, and at least 12 months of work experience in a child care program.
A child development associate credential (CDA) or a certified child care professional certificate (CCP) from the National Child Care Association Inc. (NCCA), a high school diploma or GED, and at least 12 months of work experience in a child care program.
An associate degree in child development or early childhood education from a post-secondary school, and at least nine months of working experience in a child care program.
A bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education and at least six months of work experience in a child care program.
The director must obtain at least 20 clock hours of training in administration and management and at least four hours of training in quality child care each year.