Alabama ChildcareLicensing Requirements

License posted in visible location

Ref: DHR Standards 2.1

License capacity not exceeded

Ref: DHR Standards 2.1

Operational policies current and available

Ref: DHR Standards 2.3

Parent handbook distributed to all families

Ref: DHR Standards 2.3

DHR inspection reports available to parents

Ref: DHR Standards 2.1

Indoor space meets minimum (35 sq ft per child)

Ref: DHR Standards 3.1

Outdoor play area meets minimum (50 sq ft per child)

Ref: DHR Standards 3.2

Temperature maintained 68-78°F

Ref: DHR Standards 3.3

Adequate lighting and ventilation

Ref: DHR Standards 3.3

Toilets clean and child-accessible

Ref: DHR Standards 3.4

Handwashing sinks accessible to children

Ref: DHR Standards 3.4

Drinking water readily available

Ref: DHR Standards 3.4

Napping equipment clean and appropriate

Ref: DHR Standards 6.7

First aid kit fully stocked and accessible

Ref: DHR Standards 8.1

Medications stored in locked cabinet

Ref: DHR Standards 7.4

Emergency medications readily accessible

Ref: DHR Standards 7.4

Cleaning supplies stored out of reach

Ref: DHR Standards 3.5

Hazardous materials secured from children

Ref: DHR Standards 3.5

Emergency evacuation plan posted

Ref: DHR Standards 8.3

Fire drill log current (monthly drills)

Ref: DHR Standards 8.3

Tornado drill log current (monthly during season)

Ref: DHR Standards 8.3

Lockdown drill log current (semi-annual)

Ref: DHR Standards 8.3

Fire extinguishers charged and accessible

Ref: DHR Standards 8.2

Outdoor equipment safe and age-appropriate

Ref: DHR Standards 3.2

Safe sleep practices followed (infants)

Ref: DHR Standards 6.7

ABI/FBI background check current for all staff

Ref: DHR Standards 4.2

Central Registry check completed

Ref: DHR Standards 4.2

Director meets qualification requirements

Ref: DHR Standards 5.1

Lead teachers meet qualifications

Ref: DHR Standards 5.2

All staff have current CPR certification

Ref: DHR Standards 5.3

All staff have current First Aid certification

Ref: DHR Standards 5.3

Staff annual training (12 hours) documented

Ref: DHR Standards 5.4

Director annual training (15 hours) documented

Ref: DHR Standards 5.4

Child abuse recognition training completed

Ref: DHR Standards 5.4

Safe sleep training (infant caregivers)

Ref: DHR Standards 6.7

Staff health assessments on file

Ref: DHR Standards 5.5

Infant ratio maintained (1:5, max group 10)

Ref: DHR Standards 6.5

Young toddler ratio maintained (1:6, max group 12)

Ref: DHR Standards 6.5

Toddler ratio maintained (1:8, max group 16)

Ref: DHR Standards 6.5

Preschool ratio maintained (1:14, max group 28)

Ref: DHR Standards 6.5

School-age ratio maintained (1:20, max group 40)

Ref: DHR Standards 6.5

Emergency contact forms complete for all children

Ref: DHR Standards 7.1

Immunization records current (ImmPRINT or provider)

Ref: DHR Standards 7.2

Medical exam within 30 days of enrollment

Ref: DHR Standards 7.2

Allergy information documented and accessible

Ref: DHR Standards 7.3

Medication authorization forms on file

Ref: DHR Standards 7.4

Pickup authorization documented

Ref: DHR Standards 7.1

Daily attendance records maintained

Ref: DHR Standards 7.5

Children supervised at all times

Ref: DHR Standards 6.1

Sign-in/out procedures followed

Ref: DHR Standards 7.5