Types of Child Care
Early childhood education can be delivered in a variety of settings, referred to as a mixed delivery system. Understanding the types of child care available in Alaska can help your family make informed decisions.
Family & Group Home Child Care Ratio & Group Size
State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage - Family Child Care Homes | ||
Ages of Children Served | Licensed (State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage) | Group Home (State of Alaska) |
Infant and Toddlers | Up to 3 (Only 2 may be nonambulatory**) | Up to 5 (Only 4 may be nonambulatory**) |
Total Children* | Up to 8 | Up to 12 (No more than 10 with no other children under 30 months) |
*Total children means the total number of children in care at any time. **Nonambulatory means not physically or mentally capable of achieving mobility to exit a building without the aid of another individual. | ||
Center Ratio & Group Size
Outside of Municipality of Anchorage
State of Alaska - Licensed Child Care Centers | |||
Ages of Children Served | Number of Children | Number of Caregivers | Maximum Group Size (Children to Caregivers) |
Through 18 months | 5 | 1 | 10:2 |
19-35 months | 6 | 1 | 12:2 |
3-4 years | 10 | 1 | 20:2 |
5-6 years | 14 | 1 | 28:2 |
7-12 years | 18 | 1 | 36:2 |
Center Ratio & Group Size
Municipality of Anchorage
Municipality of Anchorage - Licensed Child Care Centers | |||
Ages of Children Served | Number of Children | Number of Caregivers | Maximum Group Size (Children to Caregivers) |
6 weeks through 11 months (or older if not walking independently) | 4 | 1 | 8:2 |
12-18 months | 5 | 1 | 10:2 |
19-25 months | 6 | 1 | 10:2 |
36 months - 5 years (if not in school) | 10 | 1 | 20:2 |
5-6 years | 10 | 1 | 20:2 |
7-12 years | 10 | 1 | 20:2 |