Technical Assistance

Below you can find an overview of technical assistance resources available to child care programs statewide. If you’re a child care provider interested in becoming licensed, then we can assist you in the process! Through one-on-one communication, we will help connect you to local resources, such as your regional Child Care Quality Enhancement Agency. For assistance, you can email alabamachildcarefacts.com or call (866) 711-4025 toll-free.

DHR Licensing

DHR’s Office of Child Care Licensing will provide a packet of information to child care centers interested in obtaining a DHR license, which includes a copy of the Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers and an application for a DHR license. The office is available to answer questions and provide clarification on the licensing process and DHR Child Care Consultants can provide Minimum Standards training upon request. Contact: (334) 242-1425 or (866) 528-1694 or by email at childcare.licensing@dhr.alabama.gov

Training & Technical Assistance

DHR’s Regional Quality Enhancement Agencies provide a variety of trainings to staff and directors of child care centers, including training for child care staff to obtain the required 12-clock hours of training in child care and development listed in the Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers. Often the agencies will post a training calendar online, but you can also request one.

Alabama Department of Public Health’s Healthy Child Care Alabama provides a variety of free health & safety classes to licensed and exempt child care centers statewide, including free First Aid & CPR training. There are 12 regional Nurse Health Consultants available to provide the trainings. Click here to access their contact information.

UCP Child Care Enhancement with a Purpose provides specialized training and technical assistance to child care providers caring for children with special needs. Contact: (256) 859-4900 or by email at seger@ucphuntsville.org

Lending Libraries  

DHR’s Regional Quality Enhancement Agencies have lending libraries with resources for child care centers, including books, videos, and other classroom resources.

Scholarships

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® ALABAMA provides scholarships to staff working in licensed child care centers to assist them in obtaining a CDA (Child Development Associate), Associate Degree in Child Development and Early Care and Education, or Bachelor Degree in Child Development and Early Care and Education. Contact: (866) 711-4025 or by email at info@smartstartalabama.org

Leadership in Child Care Scholarship program provides financial assistance to qualified child care professionals working in child care centers to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Short-Term Certificate, Certificate, or Associate in Applied Science/Technology Degree in Child Development/Early Care and Education studies from an institution in the Alabama Community College System. Contact: Virginia Frazer by phone at (334) 293-4552 or by email at virginia.frazer@accs.edu