Alabama Child Care Rates

On August 7, 2009, our office received notice of the revised Child Day Care Rates that will be implemented by the Department of Human Resources effective October 1, 2009.  In accordance with the Alabama Child Support Guidelines, Rule 32, ARJA, I am attaching above a copy of the Department of Human Resources’ rate chart to you.  Rule 32(B)(8) further provides that the clerk shall maintain the current schedule in his/her office, shall make it available for review, and shall provide copies of it on request at the customary cost for copies of documents.  Below is the same schedule prepared by our office showing the Child Day Care Rates by county.

The new rate chart provides maximum weekly rates per child for day care in all Alabama counties.  Rates are given for three school ages: Infant/Toddler (birth to 30 months of age); Pre-School (30 months to 5 years of age); and School Age (5 to 12 years of age, or through age 18 if the child has a physical or mental disability documented by a licensed physician, psychologist or psychiatrist).  Rates are also given according to four licensing categories: child care center (licensed to serve more than 12 children); child family day care (licensed for 7 to 12 children); and family day care (licensed for 1 to 6 children).  The maximum rate for in-home day care, where services are provided in the child’s own home, in all counties is $35.00.  The maximum part-time rate is one-half the full time rate for the appropriate type of care and the age of the child.

If you have any questions concerning this chart, you may wish to call the Child Care Subsidy Program at the Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1427.

This is the explanation of terms that appears below the table. I assume but do not know that this is from DHR.

Full-time Rates – The above rates reflect the maximum full-time rates for child care services averaging more than 25 hours per week.  The  maximum full-time rate applicable to informal care providers shall not exceed $35 per week.

Part-time Rates - The maximum rate for child care services averaging 25 hours per week or less shall not exceed one-half of the applicable full-time rate.

Key to Provider Type

GFDC - Group Family Day Care, an individual licensed by the County Department to provide care in a private residence, other than the eligible child’s residence, for at least seven (7), but not more than twelve (12), children during the day or night, as applicable.

FDC - Family Day Care, an individual licensed by the County Department to provide care as the sole caregiver in a private residence, other than the eligible child’s residence, for no more than six (6) children during the day or night, as applicable.

Key to Care Level

Infant/Toddler - Birth to age 30 months

Pre-School - 30 months to 5 years

School Age - 5 years through age 12 (or through age 18 if the child has a physical or mental disability documented by a licensed physician, psychologist or psychiatrist).