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Licensed Daycare in Alabama

Search 2,158 verified daycare and childcare centers across Alabama, sourced directly from Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,158
Licensed Centers
$820/mo
Avg Infant Care
$660/mo
Avg Preschool
1:5
Infant Ratio

Alabama Childcare Licensing

In Alabama, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:7 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:13 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division
Infant ratio
1:5
Toddler ratio
1:7
Preschool ratio
1:13
Avg infant cost
$820/mo
Avg preschool cost
$660/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Alabama

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Birmingham
109 centers
Mobile
62 centers
Huntsville
37 centers
Montgomery
34 centers
Jasper
28 centers
Tuscaloosa
21 centers
Decatur
14 centers
Auburn
12 centers
Gadsden
10 centers
Demopolis
10 centers
Phenix City
9 centers
Selma
8 centers
Financial help

Alabama Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Alabama families can apply for Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (866) 528-1694

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Alabama

Preschool Program
270 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
270 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
270 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
270 centers
Head Start Center
270 centers
Before & After School Care
270 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 2,158 →
M Head Start

Madison Precious Moments #9

Eutaw

2 years - 12 years Cap 15
M Before/After School

Madison Golden Gate Daycare #10

Fosters

School Age (5+) Cap 109
K Infant Care

Kids R Us Madison #11

Gainesville

Preschool (2-5) Cap 44
M Montessori

Madison Learning Tree #12

Gordo

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 73
J Licensed Center

Jumping Jacks Madison #13

Knoxville

Infants & Toddlers Cap 72
M Family Daycare

Madison Sunflower Daycare #14

Coatopa

School Age (5+) Cap 47
M Group Care

Madison Panda Kids Academy #15

Mc Shan

School Age (5+) Cap 68
M Preschool

Madison Wonder Years #16

Zcta 35473

Preschool (2-5) Cap 42
L Head Start

Little Genius Madison #17

Cypress

2 years - 12 years Cap 109
M Before/After School

Madison Cloud Nine Kids #18

Zcta 35475

School Age (5+) Cap 100
N Infant Care

Nurturing Hearts Madison #19

Northport

Preschool (2-5) Cap 46
M Montessori

Madison Smart Start Academy #20

Panola

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 67

Daycare in Alabama — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Alabama is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-care-search/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Alabama?
State minimums in Alabama are roughly 1:5 infants, 1:7 toddlers, and 1:13 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Alabama?
Full-time infant care averages about $820/month; preschool runs around $660/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Alabama trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Alabama?
Yes. The primary state program is Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program, reachable at (866) 528-1694. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Alabama daycare?
File a complaint with the Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 2,158 Licensed Alabama Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.

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