Alaska Child Care Licensing Requirements

The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Alaska Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Alaska. 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.

ALASKA Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Assistance Child Care Program Office

619 East Shipcreek Avenue, Suite 230, Anchorage, AK 99501

http://dhss.alaska.gov/

(907) 269-4500

License renewal is required once every two years.

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child

	6 Wks. –1 Year	1-2 1/2 Years	2 1/2 – 3 1/2 Years	3 – 5 Years	5 + Years
Required Teacher: Child Ratio	1:5	1:6	1:10	1:14	1:18
Required Max. Group Size	10	12	20	28	36
Recommended Classroom Capacity	10	12	20	28	26
Recommended Staff per Classroom	2	2	2	2	2
Recommended Min. Classroom Area	350 sf.	420 sf.	700 sf.	980 sf.	1260 sf.

Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per Child

Child care must have an outdoor area to accommodate the physical and developmental needs of the children in care.
If a child care center located in a residence, there must be designated spaces for the children other than the family living areas.
Outdoor recreation space is not available to the child care, the center may use a park or other outdoor locations.

Building Code Requirements


CHILD FIXTURES	ADULT FIXTURES	DRINKING FOUNTAINS	MOP SINK	BATH TUB/ SHOWER

1: 15	1:50	1:100	1	1
2012 International Building Code

Fire Code Requirements

21	The administrator of child care must be at least 21 years old.	12	Each infant under the age of 12 months must have their own crib, soft bedding and any equipment that will not let the child fall while sleeping.	1	Every room must have one area for the children to quietly play if they do not want to sleep during nap time.
NFPA 1: Fire Prevention Code

The administrator of child care must be at least 21 years old.

Each infant under the age of 12 months must have their own crib, soft bedding and any equipment that will not let the child fall while sleeping.

Every room must have one area for the children to quietly play if they do not want to sleep during nap time.

NFPA 1: Fire Prevention Code

Did you know . . .

	A child care must provide at least 5 books per child.		Child cares will make sure all providers receives at least 20 hours of training every year.		An infant or toddler, that is awake can not be left in the crib, swing, etc for longer than 15 minutes without direct adult contact.

To access Alaska Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019