Alabama Childcare Licensing
Alabama Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)
Passing a Alabama childcare licensing inspection requires more than paperwork — inspectors arrive unannounced and verify staff-to-child ratios in real time, audit child files for immunization and enrollment records, check handbook compliance, and look for physical safety hazards. Licenses are valid for two (2) years (Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.02(8)(a)); renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before expiration (660-5-26-.02(6)). Annual compliance visits, and visits to investigate complaints, are made without prior notice (unannounced); pre-licensing visits may be made by appointment (660-5-26-.02(7)). Fire department inspections must be submitted prior to initial licensing and, per the current codified rule, updated at a minimum of every five (5) years (660-5-26-.03(1)); a health department inspection report is required prior to initial licensing, with subsequent inspections as requested (660-5-26-.03(2)).
Licensing Agency
Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamAlabama Daycare Inspection Prep: The Specifics
Licenses are valid for two (2) years (Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.02(8)(a))
Ala
renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before expiration (660-5-26-.02(6)).
660-5-26-.02(6)
Annual compliance visits, and visits to investigate complaints, are made without prior notice (unannounced)
unannounced
pre-licensing visits may be made by appointment (660-5-26-.02(7)).
660-5-26-.02(7)
Fire department inspections must be submitted prior to initial licensing and, per the current codified rule, updated at a minimum of every five (5) years (660-5-26-.03(1))
660-5-26-.03(1)
a health department inspection report is required prior to initial licensing, with subsequent inspections as requested (660-5-26-.03(2)).
660-5-26-.03(2)
Per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.10 and Code of Ala. 1975, Title 38, Chapter 7: operating a child care facility without a license/six-month permit/approval, or violating any provision of the chapter, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or imprisonment in the county jail not longer than one year, or both (660-5-26-.10(2)(d)2
Per Ala. Admin. Code r. 6
cases referred to the Attorney General and appropriate District Attorney for prosecution).
Per Ala. Admin. Code r. 6
Refusing to permit a lawful inspection is a Class C misdemeanor (fine not more than $500 or imprisonment in county jail not more than three months) (660-5-26-.10(2)(e)3).
660-5-26-.10(2)(e)3
Administrative/adverse actions for noncompliance include deficiency reports, corrective action plans, restriction/modification of the license, probationary status (maximum 6 months), suspension (no longer than 120 days), and revocation of the license/permit/approval (660-5-26-.10(1) and 660-5-26-.10(2)(a)-(c)).
660-5-26-.10(1) and 660-5-26-.10(2)(a)-(c)
Continuing to operate after license expiration is reported to the District Attorney and Attorney General (660-5-26-.02(6)(e)).
660-5-26-.02(6)(e)
During a Alabama childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 0 up to 18 months age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:5.
During a Alabama childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 18 months up to 2.5 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:7.
During a Alabama childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 24 months up to 36 months age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:8.
During a Alabama childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 2.5 years up to 4 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:11.
During a Alabama childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 4 years up to school age age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:18.
During a Alabama childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the School age up to 8 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:21.
During a Alabama childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 8 years and older age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:22.
Alabama inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.01(9) & (19) (Definitions: 'Day Care Center' - day care begins no earlier than 5:00 a.m.; 'Nighttime Center' - nighttime care after 7:00 p.m.); additional after-hours/past-midnight requirements at 660-5-26-.09 (Nighttime Centers); a major change or extension of the basic operating schedule (hours) must be reported under 660-5-26-.08(2)(a)6..
Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.01(9) & (19) (Definitions: 'Day Care Center' - day care begins no earlier than 5:00 a.m.; 'Nighttime Center' - nighttime care after 7:00 p.m.); additional after-hours/past-midnight requirements at 660-5-26-.09 (Nighttime Centers); a major change or extension of the basic operating schedule (hours) must be reported under 660-5-26-.08(2)(a)6.
Alabama inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(4) (Disciplinary Practices).
Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(4) (Disciplinary Practices)
Alabama inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(6)(a) (Health Information - Illness and injury; no ill child admitted (660-5-26-.04(6)(a)1); isolation and removal at 660-5-26-.04(6)(a)2).
Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(6)(a) (Health Information - Illness and injury; no ill child admitted (660-5-26-.04(6)(a)1); isolation and removal at 660-5-26-.04(6)(a)2)
Alabama inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(6)(a)6 (Authority and procedure for administering medication or medical procedures; signed non-blanket authorization on required form, valid max 7 days without a physician's statement).
Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(6)(a)6 (Authority and procedure for administering medication or medical procedures; signed non-blanket authorization on required form, valid max 7 days without a physician's statement)
Alabama Daycare Inspection Prep at a Glance
| 0 up to 18 months | 1:5 |
|---|---|
| 18 months up to 2.5 years | 1:7 |
| 24 months up to 36 months | 1:8 |
| 2.5 years up to 4 years | 1:11 |
| 4 years up to school age | 1:18 |
| School age up to 8 years | 1:21 |
| 8 years and older | 1:22 |
Alabama Daycare Inspection Prep Checklist
- Supervision gaps and ratio violations during breaks, naps, or transitions
- Expired CPR certifications or background checks for staff
- Incomplete child files (missing enrollment forms, immunization records, or emergency contacts)
- Missing or undated fire-drill logs (most states require monthly drills)
- Unsecured cleaning supplies, chemicals, or medications accessible to children
- Outlet covers missing or electrical hazards in child-accessible areas
Go Deeper
Generate a Alabama-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Alabama childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Alabama Daycare Inspection Prep: Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Alabama inspect licensed childcare centers?
Licenses are valid for two (2) years (Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.02(8)(a)); renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before expiration (660-5-26-.02(6)). Annual compliance visits, and visits to investigate complaints, are made without prior notice (unannounced); pre-licensing visits may be made by appointment (660-5-26-.02(7)). Fire department inspections must be submitted prior to initial licensing and, per the current codified rule, updated at a minimum of every five (5) years (660-5-26-.03(1)); a health department inspection report is required prior to initial licensing, with subsequent inspections as requested (660-5-26-.03(2)).
What do Alabama inspectors check during a childcare inspection?
Alabama childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.
What happens if a Alabama childcare center fails an inspection?
Per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.10 and Code of Ala. 1975, Title 38, Chapter 7: operating a child care facility without a license/six-month permit/approval, or violating any provision of the chapter, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or imprisonment in the county jail not longer than one year, or both (660-5-26-.10(2)(d)2; cases referred to the Attorney General and appropriate District Attorney for prosecution). Refusing to permit a lawful inspection is a Class C misdemeanor (fine not more than $500 or imprisonment in county jail not more than three months) (660-5-26-.10(2)(e)3). Administrative/adverse actions for noncompliance include deficiency reports, corrective action plans, restriction/modification of the license, probationary status (maximum 6 months), suspension (no longer than 120 days), and revocation of the license/permit/approval (660-5-26-.10(1) and 660-5-26-.10(2)(a)-(c)). Continuing to operate after license expiration is reported to the District Attorney and Attorney General (660-5-26-.02(6)(e)).
How can I prepare my Alabama childcare center for an unannounced inspection?
Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).
Which handbook sections do Alabama inspectors verify?
Alabama inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Alabama administrative code.
Alabama childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Alabama administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.