Opening a family childcare #home in Alaska is a fulfilling way to support your community while building a rewarding #career from home. As the demand for high-quality #early-childhood-education rises, family childcare providers #play a crucial role in offering nurturing, #safe, and educational environments for young children across the state.
Whether you live in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or a rural village, this guide will walk you through the process of becoming a licensed family childcare provider in Alaska—and how ChildCareEd.com can help you meet the state’s training requirements and launch your business with confidence.
Family childcare #homes in Alaska offer unique advantages:
Operate from your own home
Create a close-knit, family-like environment for children
Serve your local community, including remote areas
Set your own hours and income goals
Build a meaningful, long-term business
With Alaska’s strong focus on child well-being and #early-learning, starting a family childcare is both a high-impact and sustainable career move.
In Alaska, there are two main types of licensed family child care:
Licensed Child Care Home: Care for 9 or fewer children
Licensed Child Care Group Home: Care for 10 to 12 children with an approved assistant
Each type has different requirements for staffing, space, and #safety. Before applying, decide which license type suits your goals and home setup.
To become licensed, you must complete #health, safety, and #early-childhood education training as mandated by the Alaska Child Care Program Office (CCPO).
At ChildCareEd.com we offer state-accepted online training courses to help you meet these requirements, including:
Health and Safety Basics
CPR & First Aid (available in hybrid format)
Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporting
Emergency Preparedness
Child Development & Guidance
👉 View Alaska-Approved Courses on ChildCareEd
Your childcare space must meet state standards for:
Safety (outlet covers, smoke detectors, baby gates)
Cleanliness
Learning and #play-areas
Outdoor play space (if applicable)
Proper sleeping arrangements for napping children
A fire and health inspection may be required prior to licensing.
Once your training and home setup are complete, submit an application to the Alaska Child Care Program Office, including:
Background checks for you and any adults in the household
Floor plan and #emergency escape routes
Documentation of training and certifications
Child care policies and daily schedule
You’ll also need to attend an orientation session with the licensing office.
A licensing specialist will conduct one or more visits to ensure your home meets all requirements. They may give you a checklist in advance so you can prepare thoroughly.
Once licensed, you can begin caring for children—but your learning doesn’t stop there. Alaska requires ongoing annual training hours to maintain your license.
At ChildCareEd.com, we make it easy to stay compliant with affordable, self-paced continuing education courses that fit into your busy schedule.
👉 Explore Ongoing Training Options
Starting a family childcare in Alaska allows you to shape young lives while working from the comfort of your home. With the right training, a child-focused mindset, and support from trusted resources like ChildCareEd.com, you can confidently open your doors and make a lasting impact in your community.
🌟 Start Your Journey Today
👉 Visit ChildCareEd.com to Get Licensed and Trained