This article focuses on the author's observation as child care licensor and licensing administrator that lead him to conclude that many child care directors just allow licensing visits to their centers to happen to them. Unfortunately, this reaction is not restricted to directors; staff members are often similarly disengaged. In the best cases, these well-meaning professionals attempt to merely survive the licensing visit. In the worst scenarios, they act as if the licensor is not really there. The author refers to this malady as auto-licensing avoidance syndrome or ALAS. Alas, child care programs simply surrender to the bureaucratic power that arrives at their door. Alas, they allow themselves to become victims of the process instead of being proactive. The author suggests a variety of strategies that will help directors and staff become partners in the licensing process.