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Please feel free to reach out to us anytime either through the general email or the main phone. Someone will get back to you as quickly as possible. Please be advised, we are dedicated to the community and often in the field. Returning calls and messages may take a few days.
Changes to Anchorage Municipal Code (AMC) 16.55 - Effective June 24, 2026
The Anchorage Assembly voted and unanimously passed proposed changes to AMC 16.55 on June 23, 2026. Below are the code changes that go into effect June 24, 2026.
- AMC 16.55.030: Definitions: Remove terms Associate Administrator and Caregiver aide to align with SOA terms, administrator designee and adolescent caregiver.
- AMC 16.55.100/Administrator: Remove the entire section; the requirement for home administrators to live in the licensed home. Administrator requirements are addressed State regulation in 7 AAC 57.210.
- AMC 16.55140: Caregiver age requirements and additional qualifications of adolescent staff: Remove 16.55.140A.1., 2. and B.2. c.-e, and 3; some of the MOA-specific requirements for adolescent caregivers. Adolescent caregiver requirements are addressed in State regulation in 7 AAC 57.320. See attachment for specific codes repealed.
- AMC 16.55.150: Orientation and Training: Remove the entire section, to include the requirement for home administrators and caregivers to obtain 75% of the annual training in person. Orientation and training requirements are addressed in State regulation in 7 AAC 57.350.
- AMC 16.55.210A.: Health in child care facilities: Remove 16.55.210A.1.-4.; all requirements regarding physicals for children in centers. Physicals are not required by the State of Alaska and other health requirements are addressed in State regulation in 7 AAC 57.550.
- AMC 16.55.220: Nutrition: Remove entire section. Nutrition requirements are addressed in State regulation in 7 AAC 57.560.
- AMC 16.55.300 Centers serving sick children: Remove entire section. This section was specific only to MOA and has never been implemented.
Please reference the document below that outlines the changes in AMC 16.55 passed in July 2025 and June 2026 as well as links to the State of Alaska Administrative Code. Code changes passed in 2025 are noted and crossed out in black. Changes passed in 2026 are in red. If you have questions, please contact the Child Care Licensing Office at any time. We are here to help.
2026 Proposed Code Changes
There are additional proposed code changes for AMC 16.55. The intent of these changes is to continue to support existing licensed facilities in remaining open and to provide easier access for new facilities to open. The Anchorage Assembly will consider the proposed code changes at its regular
Assembly meeting on June 23rd at the Loussac Library. The meeting starts at 5pm.
Review the survey results and Assembly Ordinance to learn about the proposed changes:
If you wish to provide feedback to the Assembly about the proposed changes, learn how to do so on the
Assembly's website.
Please be advised that as of May 5, 2025, paper applications for Provisional Child Care License are no longer accepted. Please apply through the on-line system, AKCCIS. If assistance is needed to navigate AKCCIS, please feel free to reach out to the office during regular business hours. We are happy to assist however possible.
Parents
Finding quality child care is tough. These resources can help.
Providers
Learn more about operating a safe, high-quality child care program.
Inspections for all licensed facilities located within the Municipality of Anchorage can be found at https://akccis.com/client/map.
What We Do
The
Child Care Licensing Program (CCL) routinely monitors both licensed child care centers and homes within the Municipality of Anchorage through routine on-site announced and unannounced inspections, including investigating reports of concern and complaints about licensed child care facilities and facilities operating without a license. The goal of CCL is to help reduce predictable risk of harm to children, however, CCL cannot guarantee that a facility meets all code requirements at all times.
All licensed facilities fall under the regulatory jurisdiction of Anchorage Municipal Child Care Code 16.55 (AMC 16.55), State of Alaska Regulations, 7 AAC 10, 7 AAC 57, AS 47.05 and AS 47.32. The program administrator is responsible for knowing and complying with applicable regulations and statutes.
Facility programs vary in size, location, services, and philosophy. Families are encouraged to visit facilities, ask questions, and carefully compare several programs prior to making a final decision. Choosing a child care facility is a significant decision and that choice depends on what the family wants and needs for their child.
Changes to Anchorage Municipal Code (AMC) 16.55 - Effective July 15, 2025
The Assembly voted and passed the proposed changes to
AMC 16.55. Additionally, the Assembly introduced amendments that impact infant ratios and notify parents about liability insurance. Both of these were voted on and passed by the Assembly. These changes went into effect as of
July 15, 2025. Please note the changes to ratio requirements aligns the Municipality of Anchorage ratio requirements for all age groups with the State of Alaska requirements of 7 AAC 57.505.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Email CCL