If you are interested in starting a home daycare in Alabama, you will first need to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations established by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. While operating a home daycare may provide you with a very generous income and the ability to care for children, if you do not have an appropriate home or follow the proper procedures you will not be licensed. Below you will find all of the information you need, included links, to begin the Alabama home daycare licensing process.
Informational Manual:
Prior to applying for an Alabama home daycare license, you will need to review the Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers Regulations and Procedures, which is given by the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources. This manual is available in paper form at any DHR (Department of Human Resources) office or through the DHR website (link to document is located below).
This manual informs aspiring home daycare applicants of the proper steps to apply for a license. The information includes licensing procedures, facility requirements, child care programs, transportation, staff requirements, administration and meal/snack patterns, just to name a few.
Application:
Once you have read through the Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers Regulations and Procedures manual, you will then need to begin the application process. All new Alabama home daycare applicants must fill out Application Form HDR-DFC-1946 and include all of the appropriate attachments. This application requires a copy of the daycare operating policies, copy of policies for services and monetary charges, name/address/phone number for the President or Main Operator for the facility as well as a written inspection by the fire department deeming the property safe. You will also be required to obtain a written inspection report from the local health department, which must include a food permit (if applicable). Lastly, this application requires a written statement from your city’s zoning department stating your home is in compliance with current zoning requirements.
After you have completed application DHR-DFC-1946 you will also need to fill out the Licensing Application Attachment, or Form DHR-DFC-1945. This application attachment must be filled out and signed by every owner, board member or center director; however, this may not be applicable if there is only one owner.
Child Abuse Clearance:
You will be required to submit Form DHR-DFC-1598, which is the Alabama DHR Request for Clearance of Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect. This clearance application must be filled out for every owner or applicant.
Background Check:
All owners or board members of an Alabama home daycare must submit a criminal history background check form prior to a license being given.
Medical Examination:
The center director, or owner, is required to undergo a full medical examination to ensure he/she is in clean health. The medical examination report must also include a TB test.
Educational Requirements:
Before an Alabama home daycare license can be awarded, the center director, or owner, must meet the educational requirements set forth by the state. The director must have a high school diploma or GED as well as 120 clock hours in child care training and at least one year (12 months) of experience working at a daycare.
The owner may also have a CDA (Child Development Associate) from the National Child Care Association as well as 12 months of work experience or hold a Child Development associate degree and have 9 months of work experience. A home daycare owner may also hold a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and have at least six months of work experience in a daycare facility.
Sources:
http://www.dhr.state.al.us/large_docs/CENTERS-revised.pdf
State of Alabama Department of Human Resources: Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers Regulations and Procedures
http://www.dhr.state.al.us/large_docs/INFOSUB-11-02.pdf
State of Alabama Department of Human Resources: Information to be Submitted to the Department of Human Resources before a Day Care Center is Licensed
http://www.dhr.state.al.us/page.asp?pageid=648
State of Alabama Department of Human Resources: Licensing Overview
