Alabama Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Alabama childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(7) (Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans).

Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.04(7) (Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans)

Alabama childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.05(2)(b)-(c) (parent/designee must sign each child in at each arrival and out at each departure); release authorization to persons other than parent/preadmission designees at 660-5-26-.05(2)(e); capacity/admission at 660-5-26-.08(3).

Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-26-.05(2)(b)-(c) (parent/designee must sign each child in at each arrival and out at each departure); release authorization to persons other than parent/preadmission designees at 660-5-26-.05(2)(e); capacity/admission at 660-5-26-.08(3)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Alabama?

Childcare licensing in Alabama is regulated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division (Office of Child Care Licensing). Official licensing information is published at https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-care/licensing-overview/.

How many handbook policy sections does Alabama require?

Alabama requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

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 happens if a Alabama center is out of compliance?

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)).