For purposes of these regulations, a license is required if one of the following items apply:
* Providing care for one or more children who are not related to the provider;
* Providing care away from the child's home;
* Providing care for more than four (4) hours in a 24 hour period.
In addition to the preceding regulations (except for Rule 660-5-27-.08, Nighttime Care), homes offering group day care for at least seven (7) but no more than twelve (12) children, shall meet the following regulations:
(1) A separate license shall be applied for and obtained prior to offering group day care for seven (7) but no more than twelve (12) children.(2) A group day care home shall have at least the following caregivers: the licensee, the assistant caregiver, and at least two (2) substitutes.(3) Whenever seven (7) or more children are present, at least two (2) adult caregivers shall be present and supervising the children. This shall include the licensee and the assistant caregiver. If a substitute is used, either the licensee or the assistant caregiver shall be present and supervising the children.(4) No group day care home shall be licensed for more than six (6) children younger than twelve (12) months of age. There shall be at least one caregiver present and supervising each three (3) children younger than twelve (12) months of age.(5) The assistant caregiver hired after January 22, 2001 shall meet the same educational, medical, age, and character and suitability requirements and qualifications as the licensee with the exception of living in the home.(6) The assistant caregiver shall have at least twelve (12) clock hours of training in child care within the first 30 days of employment. Child care training shall include clock hours in each of these areas:(b) health, safety and universal precautions;(c) quality child care and licensing;(d) the child care professional and the family;(e) language development;(f) positive discipline and guidance.(7) The assistant caregiver shall have at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care training each year thereafter. Child care training shall include clock hours in each of these areas: (b) health, safety and universal precautions;(c) quality child care and licensing;(d) the child care professional and the family;(e) language development;(f) positive discipline and guidance.(8) Assistant Caregiver Training. (a) The Assistant Caregiver shall have at least one (1) hour of preservice training from an outside source in each of the following eleven (11) required topic areas:1. Prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunization); 2. If applicable, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention and use of safe sleeping practices;3. Medication administration;4. Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions;5. Building and physical premises safety;6. If applicable, prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma;7. Emergency preparedness and response planning;8. Handling and storage of hazardous materials/ correct disposal of biocontaminants;9. Recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect;11. If applicable, appropriate precautions in transporting children. Pending completion of all required background check components applicants/licensees, substitutes, and assistant caregivers cannot be counted in the Child/Staff Ratio.
(b) Thereafter, the Assistant Caregiver shall have at least one (1) hour of annual training from an outside source in each of the following eleven (11) required topic areas: 1. Prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunization);2. If applicable, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention and use of safe sleeping practices;3. Medication administration;4. Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions;5. Building and physical premises safety;6. If applicable, prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma;7. Emergency preparedness and response planning;8. Handling and storage of hazardous materials/correct disposal of bio contaminants;9. Recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect;11. If applicable, appropriate precautions in transporting children.(9) Required information for the assistant caregiver shall be kept on file in the home. (See Rule 660-5-27-.07(3)(d), for requirements of caregiver and substitute records.)(10) All caregivers shall read and be familiar with the standards and written verification of this shall be on file in the home.(11) An outdoor play area of at least 600 square feet shall be provided on the grounds. The outdoor play area shall be enclosed by a fence or wall at least four (4) feet in height.(12) The licensee shall provide at least four (4) items from each category of play equipment for each age group listed in Rule 660-5-27-.13, Equipment List.Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-27-.09
New Rule: Filed December 18, 2000; effective January 22, 2001. Amended: Filed April 4, 2002; effective May 9, 2002. Amended: Filed October 7, 2002; effective November 11, 2002. Amended: Filed May 6, 2003; effective June 10, 2003. Amended: Filed November 4, 2003; effective December 9, 2003. Amended: Filed May 5, 2004; effective June 9, 2004. Amended: Filed June 3, 2005; effective July 8, 2005.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVIII, Issue No. 04, January 31, 2020, eff. 3/16/2020.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIX, Issue No. 10, July 30, 2021, eff. 9/13/2021.Author: Teresa Haag
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, as amended (hereinafter referred to as Code), §§ 38-7-1 through 38-7-18, § 41-22-19, §§ 38-2-6(10), (12), (13), (15), § 26-14-3, § 26-14-4.