Alabama Childcare Licensing
Alabama Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Alabama, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. A license is required as soon as a facility "receives or arranges for care or placement of one or more children, unrelated to the operator," so Alabama has no count-based "babysitting" cushion; a day care home license covers not more than six (6) children for daytime care, and a group day care home license is needed for at least seven but no more than twelve children (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(5),(7),(9); sec. 38-7-3). Statutorily exempt are care of children related to the operator (RELATED defined at sec. 38-7-2(13)) and preschool programs that are an integral part of a local church ministry or religious nonprofit elementary school that file a notice of intent (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-3), plus daytime programs for children younger than lawful school age operating four hours a day or less (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(4)b.,c.).
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 License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
A license is required as soon as a facility "receives or arranges for care or placement of one or more children, unrelated to the operator," so Alabama has no count-based "babysitting" cushion
Ala
a day care home license covers not more than six (6) children for daytime care, and a group day care home license is needed for at least seven but no more than twelve children (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(5),(7),(9)
no more than twelve children (Ala. Code 1
Statutorily exempt are care of children related to the operator (RELATED defined at sec. 38-7-2(13)) and preschool programs that are an integral part of a local church ministry or religious nonprofit elementary school that file a notice of intent (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-3), plus daytime programs for children younger than lawful school age operating four hours a day or less (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(4)b.,c.).
RELATED defined at sec. 38-7-2(13)
A day care home may receive not more than six (6) children for daytime care (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(5))
Ala
a group day care home receives at least seven but no more than twelve (12) children and requires at least two adult caregivers (the licensee plus an assistant caregiver) present whenever seven or more children are present (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(9)
no more than twelve (12) children and requires at least two adult caregivers (the licensee plus an assistant caregiver) present whenever seven or more children are present (Ala. Code 1
DHR Minimum Standards for Family/Group Day Care Homes, Ala. Admin. Code ch. 660-5-27).
Ala. Admin. Code ch. 6
No group day care home may be licensed for more than six (6) children younger than twelve (12) months, and there must be at least one caregiver supervising each three (3) children younger than twelve (12) months
12
a basic family day care home may not be licensed for more than three (3) children younger than 12 months (ch. 660-5-27).
ch. 660-5-27
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Alabama License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Alabama without a license?
A license is required as soon as a facility "receives or arranges for care or placement of one or more children, unrelated to the operator," so Alabama has no count-based "babysitting" cushion; a day care home license covers not more than six (6) children for daytime care, and a group day care home license is needed for at least seven but no more than twelve children (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(5),(7),(9); sec. 38-7-3). Statutorily exempt are care of children related to the operator (RELATED defined at sec. 38-7-2(13)) and preschool programs that are an integral part of a local church ministry or religious nonprofit elementary school that file a notice of intent (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-3), plus daytime programs for children younger than lawful school age operating four hours a day or less (Ala. Code 1975 sec. 38-7-2(4)b.,c.).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Alabama?
Operating above the Alabama exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing) about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Alabama offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Alabama offers a voluntary registry with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing).
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.