Childcare

Childcare » Alabama

Childcare and DayCare Alabama:

Who regulates child care services in Alabama?

In the state of Alabama all child care center licensing and renewal is handled by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Child Care Services Division:

Contact Debbie Thomas: Debbie.Thomas@dhr.alabama.gov
Gordon Persons Building
50 Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130-1801
Phone: (334) 242-1425 or (866) 528-1694
Fax: (334) 353-1491

What type of financial assistance is available?

The Office of Child Care Subsidy administers the subsidized child care program funded through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).The mission of the program is to provide Alabama’s low and moderate-income families with equal access to affordable and quality child care services as they participate in work, educational or training activities. Currently, the Department administers the program regionally through four (4) Child Care Management Agencies (CMA’s) in nine (9) regions.

What are the child care options in Alabama?

The child care choices in Alabama are:

1. Child Care Centers
2. Day Care Group Homes
3. Family Day Care Homes

Child Care Centers are businesses or organizations where caregivers watch over thirteen (13) or more children. These businesses must be licensed to operate by the state of Alabama unless they have a special exemption (such a church sponsored center). Even organizations that are exempt may choose to be licensed.

Day Care Group Homes are smaller than Child Care Centers (no more than twelve children). These businesses must have at least two caregivers and must be licensed.

Family Day Care Homes are smaller even operations that typically operate at the caregiver's home. In these cases, one caregiver may care for no more than six children. Although these are more informal they still require a license to operate.