Alabama's day care standards focus on the health and safety of children.
To start a home-based day care in Alabama, you must obtain a day care license from your county's human resources department. If you provide care for one or more children who are not related to you in your home for more than four hours in a 24-hour period, a license is required, according to the "Minimum Standards for Family Day Care Homes" published by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. The licensing process typically takes six months to complete.
Instructions
1. Contact your county's human resources office to request an application packet, which will include a copy of the "Minimum Standards for Family Day Care Homes" and all the required forms. The Alabama Department of Human Resources provides an online database of county offices with contact information.
2. Complete and submit your application form. The application form includes a section for references. You will need to submit your references when you apply. You are required to name a substitute who will provide care in the event of your absence. The substitute must fill out an application and references for you to keep on file. You will need to submit a "Request for Clearance of State Central Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect" form for each adult household member and for your substitute at this time, as well.
3. Schedule training classes in accordance with the minimum standards. Both you and a substitute must receive training and certification in CPR and first aid. The American Red Cross offers training through local chapters throughout the year. In addition, you need 24 hours of training in child care and development. Links to approved training agencies can be accessed online (see resources).
4. Submit to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation the completed Mandatory Criminal History Check Notice form and fingerprint cards provided by your licensing agency for each adult household member and for your substitute. The fingerprints must be processed "by a law enforcement agency or an individual properly trained in fingerprinting techniques," according to Alabama's "Minimum Standards for Day Care Homes." Disqualifying convictions are listed on pages 33 and 34 of "Minimum Standards."
5. Contact the state fire marshal's office at 334-241-4166 to schedule an inspection. A representative will visit your home and advise you of any deficiencies. You will be given time make corrections, if necessary, before a second inspection.
6. Obtain medical clearance for your household members and your substitute. You and your substitute must submit the provided medical clearance form signed by a physician stating that you are healthy enough to care for children. In addition, you, your substitute, and each member of your family must be tested for tuberculosis and cleared prior to licensing.
7. Purchase equipment and supplies mandated by the minimum standards. Equipment lists can be found on pages 61 to 63 of "Minimum Standards for Day Care Homes."
8. Prepare your home for an initial inspection by your county licensing agent. During inspection and during day care hours, all medicines must be kept in a locked box, all guns and ammunition must be in separate locked and inaccessible areas, unused outlets must be covered and stairs must be gated. In addition, the agent will want to see that you have sufficient high chairs, cribs or playpens, cots and toys, and that you have a fenced in area for outdoor play.
9. Advertise your day care after you have been approved and received your license. You must wait until approved before operating or advertising your day care. Once you're licensed, you are ready for business.
Tags: your substitute, Care Homes, member your, Minimum Standards, substitute must, your county