Child Day Care Frequently Asked Questions – Alabama Department of Human Resources

Child Care Services

What does child (day) care mean?

Child day care is the care by a parent substitute for a portion of a 24-hour day. The term ” day care ” service refers to both “day time” care and “night-time” care. “Night-time” care is usually provided after 7:00 p.m. This would also include so-called “third-shift”, “odd hour”, and week-end care.

How are day care providers licensed or approved?

If a provider is required to be licensed or chooses to be licensed, a staff member from the State Department of Human Resources performs that function.

How do I get on the USDA Food and Nutrition program?

Contact the State Department of Education at 334-242-8249.

How do I start a Day Care Center?

Contact the Department of Human Resources Child Day Care Services Division at (866) 528-1694 and request to speak to Child Care Intake. A packet of information will be mailed to you upon your request to this unit.

How do I start a Day Care Home?

How do I get a copy of the Child Care Performance Standards?

Two documents are available for your review:

Child Care Licensing and Performance Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers

(PDF File)

Child Care Licensing and Performance Standards for Family Day Care Homes and Family Nighttime Homes/Group Day Care Homes and Group Nighttime Homes

(PDF File)

(Download Adobe Acrobat Reader)

You are also invited to contact the Department of Human Resources Child Care Services Division at (334) 242-1425 and request to speak to Child Care Services or go to the website for the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care .

How do I get a list of Child Care Providers?

Contact the Department of Human Resources Child Day Care Division at (334) 242-1425 and request to speak to Child Care Intake.

State Daycare Directory

Does the Department of Human Resources provide start-up funding for new Child Care facilities?

No.

How do I file a complaint against a provider?

Contact the Department of Human Resources Child Care Services Division at 1-866-528-1694 and request to speak to Child Care Intake. Complaints that are violations of the Child Care Minimum Standards will be investigated by the Department. Complaints can also be emailed to childcarelicensingintake@dhr.alabama.gov.