Alabama Childcare Licensing
Alabama Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Alabama sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: 0 up to 18 months must be supervised at no looser than 1:5. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Alabama licensing condition.
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 Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Alabama, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 0 up to 18 months age group is 1:5.
In Alabama, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 18 months up to 2.5 years age group is 1:7.
In Alabama, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 24 months up to 36 months age group is 1:8.
In Alabama, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2.5 years up to 4 years age group is 1:11.
In Alabama, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years up to school age age group is 1:18.
In Alabama, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School age up to 8 years age group is 1:21.
In Alabama, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 8 years and older age group is 1:22.
No fixed statewide numeric group-size cap
Ala
Alabama defines "group size" as determined by the capacity of the room, age of the child, number of staff, and amount of equipment, and instead enforces staff-child ratios: 1:5 for 0 up to 18 months, 1:7 for 18 months up to 2.5 years, 1:8 for 24 up to 36 months, 1:11 for 2.5 up to 4 years, 1:18 for 4 years up to school age, 1:21 school age up to 8 years, and 1:22 for 8 years and older, per the DHR Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers (Ala. Admin. Code ch. 660-5-26).
Ala
Children younger than age 2.5 years must be grouped separately from children older than 2.5 years.
Ala
Alabama Staff-to-Child Ratios 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 |
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Alabama Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Alabama?
Alabama requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 for the 0 up to 18 months age group.
Does Alabama cap maximum group size?
No fixed statewide numeric group-size cap; Alabama defines "group size" as determined by the capacity of the room, age of the child, number of staff, and amount of equipment, and instead enforces staff-child ratios: 1:5 for 0 up to 18 months, 1:7 for 18 months up to 2.5 years, 1:8 for 24 up to 36 months, 1:11 for 2.5 up to 4 years, 1:18 for 4 years up to school age, 1:21 school age up to 8 years, and 1:22 for 8 years and older, per the DHR Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers (Ala. Admin. Code ch. 660-5-26). Children younger than age 2.5 years must be grouped separately from children older than 2.5 years.
How many staff do I need for my Alabama classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Alabama ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
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.