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*
(Under age 13 years)

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