Alaska Home Daycare Law: Statewide Home Business Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: AS 47.32, AS 47.35
Licensing agency: Department of Health
Background checks: Required AS 47.05.310
Exemption threshold: Four or fewer unrelated
Inspections: Health and safety required

Full Breakdown

Under AS 47.35.015, a home child care providing care for nine or more children, or for any number above the in-home exemption, must be licensed by the Department of Health, Child Care Program Office. Licensed providers must complete background checks under AS 47.05.310, maintain staff-to-child ratios, document immunizations, and pass health and safety inspections. Smaller home arrangements (typically four or fewer unrelated children) are exempt but still subject to background-check requirements when receiving state subsidy. Municipalities may impose additional zoning rules, but licensing standards themselves are set by state regulation.

Violations & Penalties

Operating an unlicensed home child care subject to licensure is a violation under AS 47.35.900; civil fines, cease-and-desist orders, and injunctive relief may be imposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many children can I watch without a license?

Generally up to four unrelated children at one time qualifies for the in-home exemption, but state subsidy participation and local zoning may impose stricter limits or registration.

Are background checks required even for unlicensed care?

Yes, when a provider receives state child care assistance subsidies, all adult household members and staff must clear background checks under AS 47.05.310 regardless of license status.

Alaska Home-Based Child Care Licensing Requirements