Alabama Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers

Licensing Standards for DayCare Centers

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Section K
Application and Procedure for License

Application for a License (see Code of Alabama 1975, Section 38-7-4, in Appendix 17.)
- a. Applications for a license shall be made on a departmental approved form and shall contain all information requested on that form including social security number. (See Appendix 2.)
- b. Any person, group of persons or corporation may obtain an application form for a license to operate a child care facility by contacting the Department of Human Resources by letter, telephone or scheduled visit.
- c. With the application form, a person is provided a copy of Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers: Principles, Regulations and Procedures.
- d. The completed application is returned to the Department within 30 days from the date of inquiry if such person, etc., wishes to pursue his plan to operate a center or if such person is already operating a center illegally (without a license).
Examination and Investigation of Application
- a. Upon receipt of the completed application, a representative of the Department of Human Resources will examine the premises proposed for the center and will investigate the person responsible for the center.
- b. The examination and investigation will be based on the minimum standards and regulations as prescribed and published by the Department. Required information will be noted on the Information Form by the applicant as such requirements are met. (See Information Form, Appendix 3.)
Disposition of the Application

When minimum standards for the operation of a center have been met, a license will be issued.

If denial of an application is indicated, the Department will notify the applicant, in writing, of the decision, pointing out those areas of the minimum standards which have not been met.

The applicant may withdraw the application either verbally or in writing.
6 Month Permit

If specific areas of the minimum standards are identified as lacking, and if the applicant can demonstrate or document that in good faith he is taking action towards full compliance with regulations, the Department may issue a 6 month permit to persons making initial application for a license to allow the center reasonable time to become eligible for a full license. Issuance of a permit is evidence that the Department approves the center's temporary operation without the center having fully met all requirements.
- a. The Department's decision to issue a 6 month permit shall be after the center/prospective licensee has met the following:
  
  (1) all state, local, and municipal codes and ordinances, including fire approval, health approval and zoning approval if applicable. (2) compliance with outdoor fencing.
  (3) written documentation that required furnishings and equipment will be in the center by the end of the six month period.
  (4) sufficient qualified staff for compliance with child/staff ratios. (5) references and medical reports on all staff provisions of tables and chairs, and at least one-half of the equipment for each age group.
- b. One renewal of a 6 month permit may be issued at the discretion of the Department.
- c. The probationary 6 month permit (alternative to revocation) is not to be confused with the 6 month permit issued to persons making initial application for a license.
Renewal of a License.
- a. Application for renewal of a license to continue operating a day care center or nighttime center shall be made to the Department one month prior to the expiration date of the current license, and on the form prescribed by the Department.
- b. The Department shall re-examine and re-evaluate every area of the facility included in the application process.
- c. A renewal of a license shall be issued, if, upon re-examination, the Department is satisfied that the child care facility continues to meet and maintain minimum standards prescribed and published by the Department.
Department Visits, Examination, and Consultation

Visits to the day care center or nighttime center are made by representatives of the Department to determine continued conformity with minimum standards and to offer consultative services.
- a. Visits to the center are made by representatives of the Department to inspect and to determine if minimum standards are met, to investigate a complaint and to offer consultative services.
- b. At least one visit shall be made annually for the purpose of determining compliance with minimum standards.
- c. Visits made for the purpose of determining conformity with minimum standards or investigating a complaint shall be made without prior notice.
- d. The licensee may request visits of a Department representative for consultation, etc.
- e. Complaints made to the Department against the licensee shall be discussed with the licensee.
- f. The licensee shall have the opportunity to submit, in writing, information regarding inspections resulting from complaints reported to the Department.

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