Alaska Statewide Rule
Alaska Home-Based Child Care Licensing Requirements
Key Facts
- Statute
- AS 47.32; 7 AAC 57
- Licensing agency
- Department of Health
- Background checks
- AS 47.05.300-47.05.390
- Exemption threshold
- Four or fewer unrelated children
- Licensed home limit
- Up to eight children
Summary
Alaska requires a state license to run a home child care serving more than four unrelated children, under the centralized licensing law AS 47.32 and regulations 7 AAC 57. The Department of Health sets background-check, ratio, and safety standards statewide.
(a) An entity may not operate a facility described in AS 47.32.010(b) or (c) without first obtaining a license under this chapter unless the entity is exempt under regulations adopted under AS 47.32.030 or is exempt under (c) of this section.
Full Breakdown
Under AS 47.32 (centralized licensing) and 7 AAC 57, a residence caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the Department of Health, Child Care Program Office; a licensed 'child care home' serves up to eight children. Providers complete criminal background checks under AS 47.05.300-47.05.390, maintain staff-to-child ratios, document immunizations, and pass health and safety inspections. Care for four or fewer unrelated children, or only relatives, is exempt, though background checks still apply when the provider receives state child care assistance. Municipalities may add zoning rules, but licensing standards are set by state regulation.
Violations & Penalties
Operating an unlicensed child care that requires a license can bring cease-and-desist orders, civil fines, and injunctive relief from the Department of Health under AS 47.32.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I watch without a license?
Are background checks required even for unlicensed care?
Sources
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