Overview | Choosing Child Care | Online Search for Child Care | Child Care Checklist | Child Health and Safety | Child Development | Report Concerns/Complaints

5 Steps for Choosing "Quality" Child Care

1. LOOK

Which program meets your needs, as well the needs of your child? The best way to find the right program for you is by visiting several child care homes or centers. If possible, visit each program more than once and stay long enough for you to get a good feel for the care your child is likely to receive. After you enroll in the program, continue to visit from time to time.

2. LISTEN

What is the noise level like at the program? A place that’s too quiet may mean not enough activity. A place that’s too noisy may mean there is a lack of control.

3. COUNT

How many children are in the classroom/group? How many staff members are watching the children? The fewer the number of children for each adult, the more attention your child will get. A small number of children per adult is most important for babies and younger children.

4. ASK

What experience does the staff have? Ask about the background and training of the program director, caregivers, teachers, and any other people who will have contact with your child in the program.

5. BE INFORMED

How can you find out more about child care in your community? For more information and resources, contact the Resource and Referral Counselor at Childcare Resources by email kgreen@ccr-bhm.org or call 205-795-2208.


Choosing and Using Family Child Care

There are two types of Family Child Care in the state of Alabama - family day care homes and group day care homes.

What is a Family Day Care Home?
Family day care homes are licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
One caregiver provides care for up to six children in the caregiver's home.
The caregiver is required to obtain 20 hours of child care training each year and have a current CPR/First Aid Certification.

What is a Group Day Care Home?
Group day care homes are licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Two caregivers provide care for up to 12 children in the caregiver's home.
Both caregivers are required to obtain 20 hours of child care training each year.
One of the caregivers must have a current CPR/First Aid certification.

Twelve Questions to Ask When You Visit a Family Day Care Home or Group Day Care Home

  • How long have you been operating a family/group day care home?
  • How many children are enrolled in your home?
  • What child care training have you taken this year?
  • How will you help my child adjust to your home?
  • What activities will you plan for my child?
  • How will you let me know about my child's day?
  • How do you handle behavior problems?
  • How do you handle medical, fire and weather emergencies?
  • May I drop in and visit my child at any time?
  • What happens when you are sick or on vacation?
  • What safety precautions do you take when children are transported by bus, car or van?
  • What fees do you charge and when are they due?

    • Choosing and Using Child Care Centers

    There are two types of child care centers in Alabama - licensed child care centers and licensed-exempt child care centers.

    What are Licensed Child Care Centers?
    Licensed child care centers have a license from the Alabama Department of Human Resources to provide care for children.
    Children are usually grouped by age.
    Group size is limited by state regulations.
    Directors are required to obtain 24 hours of child care training each year.
    Teachers are required to obtain 12 hours of training each year.

    What are Licensed-Exempt Child Care Centers?
    Licensed-exempt child care centers are programs which have received an exemption from state licensure because of affiliations with a church, school, government or military organization.
    Licensed-exempt centers accepting state subsidy payments must comply with state regulations.
    Children are usually grouped by age.
    There are no limits on the size of each group.
    There are no training requirements for staff.

    Twelve Questions to Ask When You Visit a Licensed or Licensed-Exempt Child Care Center

  • Are you licensed or licensed-exempt?
  • How many children will be in my child's group?
  • How long has the teacher who will take care of my child worked at the center?
  • What training requirements do you have for teachers?
  • How will you help my child adjust to your center?
  • How will you let me know about my child's day?
  • How do you handle behavior problems?
  • How do you handle medical, fire and weather emergencies?
  • May I drop in and visit my child at any time?
  • What happens when my child's teacher is sick or on vacation?
  • What safety precautions do you take when children are transported by bus or van?
  • What fees do you charge and when are they due?

    • Day Care Licensing In Alabama


    Licensing of Family Day Care Homes and Group Day Care Homes
    All family day care homes and group day care homes that provide care for one child who is not related to the operator are required to have a license.
    The licensing authority in Alabama is the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
    Licenses are valid for two years and should be on display in the home.
    Licensing is intended to set standards for operating a child care facility. It is not a guarantee of high quality care.
    Parents have the right to visit the Family Day Care Home at any time during operating hours.
    If you need to report a licensing concern, or want to know if a home you are considering for your child has had a substantiated complaint made against it, please contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources in your county:

    Blount County: 274-5200
    Jefferson County: 945-3700
    Shelby County: 669-3007
    Walker County: 387-5400

    Child Care Centers
    In Alabama, all child care centers, unless exempted by law, are required to have a license.
    The licensing authority in Alabama is the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
    Licenses are valid for two years and should be on display in the center.
    Licensing is intended to set standards for operating a child care facility. It is not a guarantee of high quality care.
    Parents have the right to visit the center at any time during operating hours.
    Exemptions from the licensing law for child care centers include:

    • day care centers operated on federal government premises
    • day care centers operated as a church ministry
    • kindergartens and nursery schools operated by a public school or college
    • kindergartens and nursery schools operating for less than four hours a day
    If a program is exempt from licensure, but provides care for children whose families are receiving child care subsidies, they must meet licensing standards.

    If you need to report a licensing concern, or wish to know if a child care center you are considering for your child has had a substantiated complaint made against it, please contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1425 or toll free (866) 528-1694.


    ©2002 - 2008 Childcare Resources