The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Alabama Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Alabama. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
ALABAMA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
State of Alabama Department of Human Resources, Child Care Services Division
50 Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130
http://www.dhr.alabama.gov/documents/Sr-No%20Highlighted%20MS%20for%20Center%2010–19.pdf
(334) 242-1425
License renewal is required every two years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 32 sf per child
|
|
0-18 Mos. |
18 Mos.-2 1/2 Years |
24 Mos.-36 Mos. |
2 1/2-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
5-8 Years |
8+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:5 |
1:7 |
1:8 |
1:11 |
1:18 |
1:21 |
1:22 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
10 |
14 |
14 |
16 |
22 |
36 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
320 sf. |
320 sf. |
448 sf. |
448 sf. |
512 sf. |
704 sf. |
1152 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per child
- The play area must be enclosed by a 4′ high fence or wall.
- Play areas serving children under 2 years old are not required to comply.
- Accessible play equipment is required to have an ADA path to all entry and exit points.
- A Splash Pad is required to have an ADA path to all entry and exit points.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
10 |
Occupants allowed in a room with room with only one exit. |
20 |
Percentage of wall-mounted artwork allowed to cover the wall area |
0 |
Number of child cubbies allowed in a corridor of a non-sprinklered building. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Outdoor play equipment shall have enough variety so that children have at least three different types of play. |  |
Enrollment of children under six weeks of age is prohibited. |  |
Voice mail must be monitored at 30 minute intervals so that emergency messages can be received. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019