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Licensed Daycare in Shelby, Alabama

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Shelby?

Statewide averages in Alabama run roughly $820/month for infants and $660/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Shelby daycares?

All licensed Alabama centers must meet the state minimum: 1:5 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, and 1:13 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Shelby typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Shelby?

Alabama families can apply for Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (866) 528-1694). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Every listing here has a current license on file with the state. Use the filters to narrow by age group or program type.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$820/mo

Alabama avg infant

1:5

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Shelby

ChildCare Aware reports the Alabama average full-time cost at $820/month for infant care and $660/month for preschool. City-level prices in Shelby vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Alabama families may also qualify for Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (866) 528-1694).

Full Alabama licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division
Infant ratio: 1:5
Toddler ratio: 1:7
Preschool ratio: 1:13
Avg capacity: 58 kids

ZIP codes covered

35143 3

Program types in Shelby

Infant & Toddler Center

1 centers

Head Start Center

1 centers

Before & After School Care

1 centers

All Shelby licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

D Infant Care

Decatur Generations Daycare #105

Shelby

Preschool (2-5) Cap 65

K Head Start

Kids R Us Birmingham #285

Shelby

2 years - 12 years Cap 81

T Before/After School

Tuscaloosa Bright Beginnings #112

Shelby

School Age (5+) Cap 28

Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.

Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Shelby, Alabama?

Our directory lists 3 licensed childcare centers in Shelby, Alabama, sourced from Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Shelby?

Statewide averages in Alabama run roughly $820/month for infants and $660/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Shelby daycares?

All licensed Alabama centers must meet the state minimum: 1:5 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, and 1:13 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Shelby typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Shelby?

Alabama families can apply for Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (866) 528-1694). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Shelby daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Alabama Department of Human Resources — Child Care Services Division search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.