Alaska

Alaska Department of Health — Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office (CCPO)

Alaska Administrative Code, 7 AAC 57 — Child Care Facilities Licensing

Researched 2026-09 · Summary, not legal advice — confirm with the agency before acting on a figure.

Staff-child ratios

Infants

1:5

birth through 18 months

max group 10

Toddlers

1:6

19 through 36 months

max group 12

Preschool

1:10

3 and 4 years

max group 20

School-age

1:18

7 through 12 years (school age)

max group 36

Annual training: At least 24 hours of annual training relevant to child care and development for caregivers and administrators (12 hours for part-time caregivers working 15 hours/week or less), including at least one hour on health and safety topics; each caregiver must hold valid pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR certification.
Lead teacher: Caregivers must be responsible individuals of reputable character who pass background checks and demonstrate core caregiving competencies (positive guidance, age-appropriate learning experiences, communication with parents); 7 AAC 57.310 does not require a specific degree or credential for center caregivers.
Director: The administrator must be at least 21 and document one of: a SEED career ladder level 7+ certificate, at least 12 semester hours in early childhood/child development (3 may be in management), a current CDA, a Montessori certificate, a school-age care certificate/child & youth care credential, or another department-approved ECE credential; those without a relevant bachelor's degree need 3 semester hours of college credit every two years.
Worth knowing: 7 AAC 57.505 also defines a kindergartner band (5 and 6 years): 1:14, maximum group 28. Mixed groups of infants/toddlers/preschoolers follow the youngest child's ratio. Ratios last amended 2016 (Register 218).

A ratio is easy to read and hard to hold at 3pm on the playground.