Become a Child Care Provider

Child care providers play an important role in supporting Alaska’s children, families, and communities. Providers create safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and develop. 

In Alaska, individuals may provide child care in several ways depending on the number of children served and the type of program they operate. Some providers are licensed by the State of Alaska or the Municipality of Anchorage, while others may qualify as legally exempt providers who are approved to participate in the Child Care Assistance Program. 

This page provides an overview of the types of child care programs in Alaska, steps to becoming a provider, and resources to help you get started. 

Types of Child Care Facilities 

Alaska recognizes several types of child care providers depending on the setting and number of children served.

Licensed Child Care Providers 

Licensed child care providers must meet health and safety requirements and receive a license issued by either the State of Alaska Department of Health or the Municipality of Anchorage. 

Licensed facilities include: 

• Licensed Child Care Homes 
• Licensed Child Care Group Homes (licensed by the State of Alaska only) 
• Licensed Child Care Centers 

Licensed providers may participate in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and may be eligible for other provider support programs. 

Legally Exempt (Approved) Child Care Providers 

Some providers may be exempt from licensure but approved to provide care for families receiving child care assistance. 

Approved provider types include: 

• Approved Relative Child Care Providers 
• In-Home Care Providers 
• Department of Defense or Coast Guard Certified Providers 
• Tribal Approval or Certification Providers 

Providers Caring for Four or Fewer Children 

A person may legally provide child care to no more than four children who are unrelated to them without a child care license. 

However: 

• These providers are not monitored by the state 
• They cannot participate in the Child Care Assistance Program 
• Parents are responsible for paying the full cost of care

Careers in Child Care

Working in child care can be a rewarding career that supports children’s development while helping families and communities thrive. 

Career opportunities in child care include: 

• Operating a child care center, group home, or family child care home 
• Lead teachers and assistant teachers 
• Program directors or administrators 
• Substitute or support staff 

Providers may also pursue training and professional development opportunities that support career growth in early childhood education. 

Steps to Become a Provider

The steps to becoming a child care provider depend on the type of program you plan to operate. 

Some providers choose to become licensed child care providers, while others may qualify as approved (license-exempt) providers who participate in the Child Care Assistance Program. 

Becoming a Licensed Provider 

Licensed providers must complete several steps to ensure programs operate safely and meet health and safety requirements. 

Typical steps include: 

• Choose the type of child care program you plan to operate. 
• Complete required health and safety training. 
• Submit a licensing application and required documentation. 
• Complete criminal background checks for the provider and other required individuals. 
• Prepare the facility or home to meet licensing health and safety standards. 
• Complete a pre-licensing inspection. 

Providers begin the licensing process through the Alaska Child Care Information System (AKCCIS). 

Providers located in the Municipality of Anchorage must follow licensing requirements administered by the Anchorage Health Department. 

Becoming an Approved Provider 

Contact thread, or Alaska Family Services Inc., the resource networks for families and child care providers, determined by region, and they will assist you in the application process for Approved Providers.  

Participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) 

Providers who wish to serve families receiving Child Care Assistance must complete the CCAP provider enrollment process. This applies to both licensed providers and approved (license-exempt) providers. 

Apply online for Approved Relative and Approved In-Home Provider: 

For Licensed and Certified/Accredited Providers complete a paper application and submit to your local Child Care Assistance office: 

• Department of Defense and Coast Guard Certified application 
• Tribal Approval or Certification application 

Participating in the Child Care Grant (CCG) Program 

The Child Care Grant (CCG) is a program that provides monthly funding to eligible child care providers to support the cost of delivering care and improve the quality of services in Alaska. 

Grant funding is intended to help providers enhance their programs and may be used for: 

• Staff salaries, wages, and benefits  
• Substitute care providers  
• Health and safety-related items  
• Supplies, equipment, and activities for children  
• Education and training related to child development  

These funds are designed to strengthen program quality and support stable, high-quality child care. 

To participate, providers must: 

• Hold a current child care license issued by the State of Alaska or Municipality of Anchorage  
• Be an approved provider participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) 

How do I apply for the Child Care Grant? 

Eligible providers must: 

• Complete the Child Care Grant application (CC30)  
• Submit required documentation to your local Child Care Assistance office  

👉 Visit the Forms & Applications page to access the Child Care Grant application. 

Professional Development for New Providers

Child care providers must complete training and maintain ongoing professional development to support children’s safety and development. 

Training requirements for licensed providers include health and safety topics such as: 

• Child growth and development 

• Safe sleep practices for infants 

• Prevention of infectious diseases 

• Emergency preparedness and response 

• Prevention and reporting of child abuse and neglect 

• Child passenger safety 

• Administration of medication 

• Building and physical premises safety 

• Handling and storage of hazardous materials 

• Safe food preparation and handling 

Providers must also maintain current CPR and First Aid certification. 

These resources provide an overview of the process to become licensed, no matter which type of facility you will operate.  

• Child Care Licensing 101 Introduction (PowerPoint)
• Introduction to the Provisional Child Care Licensing Process
• Child Care Licensing brochure   
• Online training course: Create a new account or sign into your existing account to complete the training. 

Additional training, professional development opportunities, and technical assistance are available through thread Alaska, the state’s Child Care Resource and Referral agency.