Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in Georgia?
To start a daycare in Georgia, you apply for a license from the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) through the online DECAL KOALA portal. Georgia has two license types: a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) for 3 to 6 children and a Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) for 7 or more. DECAL's minimum processing time is 45 days for homes and 60 days for centers, and the annual license fee runs from $50 to $250 depending on capacity.
In this guide
Georgia daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) | Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) |
|---|---|---|
| Children served | 3 to 6 children for pay | 7 or more children |
| Who regulates | Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) | |
| How to apply | Online through DECAL KOALA only | |
| Minimum processing time | 45 days | 60 days |
| Education / director qualification | CDA, Technical Certificate of Credit or Technical College Diploma in Early Childhood Education, or higher | Director with a qualifying credential and completed 40-hour director training |
| Orientation | FCCLH Licensing Orientation through GaPDS | Child Care Licensing Orientation (certificate dated within 24 months) |
| Annual license fee | $50 | $50 to $250 by capacity |
Sources: DECAL Family Child Care Learning Home page, DECAL Child Care Learning Center page and DECAL License Fee Information.
Do I need a childcare license in Georgia?
Yes, if you care for three to six children under age 18 for pay. Georgia requires that care to be licensed as a Family Child Care Learning Home. If you care for more than six children for pay, you need a Child Care Learning Center license. Source: DECAL and DECAL FCCLH rules, 290-2-3-.04.
Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH)
An FCCLH is a child care program run in a private home for less than 24 hours per day, with 3 to 6 children, for pay.
Child Care Learning Center (CCLC)
A CCLC provides care for 7 or more children for less than 24 hours per day, for pay. This usually means a commercial or non-residential facility.
Licensing helps families trust that your program meets state health and safety standards. DECAL: Starting a Child Care Program.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Georgia?
Family Child Care Learning Home requirements
- Be at least 21 years old (DECAL rule 290-2-3-.07).
- Hold a qualifying credential, such as a CDA, a Technical Certificate of Credit or Technical College Diploma in Early Childhood Education, an associate degree, or higher. Applicants without one can request a variance, then must enroll within six months of licensure and finish within two years.
- Complete the FCCLH Licensing Orientation through the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS).
- Complete 20 hours of DECAL-approved pre-service training before you apply, including the Licensure Orientation Meeting, plus in-person CPR and first aid for infants and children.
- Pass a criminal records check. Everyone age 17 or older who lives in the home needs one.
- Provide proof of occupancy, zoning approval dated within the last 12 months, a floor plan, a notarized Affidavit for Lawful Presence, a current water bill, and any required fire or health documentation.
- Have an enclosed outdoor play area with a barrier at least four feet high.
Sources: DECAL FCCLH page, DECAL Training Requirements, DECAL FCCLH FAQ (PDF), DECAL FCCLH rules (PDF).
Child Care Learning Center requirements
- Complete the Child Care Licensing Orientation and submit a certificate dated within the last 24 months.
- Register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State, and make sure application details match.
- Employ a director with a qualifying credential, a completed 40-hour director training, CPR and first aid certification, and a 10-year work history.
- Provide lead teacher credentials, a staff profile sheet, and satisfactory criminal record checks for all staff.
- Submit proof of building ownership or lease, zoning approval within the last 12 months, floor and site plans, operational plans, fire marshal inspection and certificate of occupancy.
- Meet staff-to-child ratios and group size limits (see the table below).
Source: DECAL Child Care Learning Center page.
Georgia center staff-to-child ratios
| Age of children | Staff : child ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | 1:6 | 12 |
| 1-year-olds | 1:8 | 16 |
| 2-year-olds | 1:10 | 20 |
| 3-year-olds | 1:15 | 30 |
| 4-year-olds | 1:18 | 36 |
| 5-year-olds | 1:20 | 40 |
| 6 years and older | 1:25 | 50 |
Source: DECAL CCDF State Plan, Section 5, which reflects rule 591-1-1-.32 in DECAL's Child Care Learning Center rules. Confirm current rules with DECAL before you hire.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Georgia?
The whole process is online. DECAL does not accept paper, email, fax or walk-in applications.
- Create a DECAL KOALA account. Register at DECAL KOALA to submit documents and track your application.
- Complete orientation and training. Finish the required orientation and pre-service training before you apply. Register through GaPDS.
- Gather your documents. Typical items include proof of ownership or lease, zoning approval, floor plans, criminal record check acknowledgments, a notarized Affidavit for Lawful Presence and training certificates.
- Submit through KOALA. Upload everything. Incomplete applications can be returned, closed or denied.
- Pass the on-site visit. A DECAL consultant inspects the program for compliance before a license is issued.
- Pay your annual fee. DECAL issues your license after approval and fee payment.
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Expect a minimum of 45 days for homes and 60 days for centers after your application is screened.
Not sure where your state's rules differ? See brightwheel's childcare licensing requirements by state and the Georgia childcare center licensing requirements guide.
How much does a daycare license cost in Georgia?
Georgia charges an annual license fee based on capacity. For the 2027 license year, payment is due by December 1, 2026, and a late fee applies after December 31, 2026.
| Facility capacity | Annual fee | Late fee |
|---|---|---|
| 25 children or less | $50 | $25 |
| 26 to 50 children | $100 | $50 |
| 51 to 100 children | $150 | $75 |
| 101 to 200 children | $200 | $100 |
| More than 200 children | $250 | $125 |
Source: DECAL License Fee Information. Fees are updated each year, so check the page before you pay.
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How do I stay compliant after I'm licensed?
- Renew every year. Licenses are valid for one year. DECAL emails a notice before expiration and collects fees each fall. Current licenses expire December 31, 2026.
- Complete health and safety training early. New FCCLH providers and CCLC directors need 10 hours of state-approved Health and Safety Orientation within the first 90 days of licensure, and other direct-care staff need 10 hours of state-approved Health and Safety Orientation within 90 days of hire.
- Keep annual training current. After the first year, staff need 10 hours of approved training each calendar year, including at least 2 hours of language and literacy practices.
- Keep pediatric CPR and first aid current. Staff with direct care duties must complete it within 45 days of hire.
- Expect regulatory visits. DECAL consultants evaluate core rules, such as supervision, medication and transportation, at every visit.
Sources: DECAL Training Requirements, DECAL Core Rules, DECAL License Fee Information.
Brightwheel's childcare management software helps you track attendance, billing and staff records in one place.
Are there grants for childcare providers in Georgia?
Yes. Grants do not need to be repaid and can fund facility upgrades, equipment, materials or staff development. Availability varies, so research the current grants for childcare providers in Georgia to find the best fit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a daycare license in Georgia?
DECAL's minimum processing time is 45 days for family child care learning homes and 60 days for child care learning centers. The clock starts after your application is received, screened and a confirmation email is sent, so incomplete applications take longer.
Can I submit a paper application for my daycare license in Georgia?
No. All applications must be submitted online through DECAL KOALA. DECAL does not accept postal mail, email, fax or walk-in applications.
Do I need a license to care for children in my home in Georgia?
Yes, if you care for three to six children under age 18 for pay. Georgia requires that care to be licensed as a Family Child Care Learning Home. Caring for more than six children requires a Child Care Learning Center license.
How much does a daycare license cost in Georgia?
Georgia charges an annual license fee based on capacity: $50 for 25 children or less, $100 for 26 to 50, $150 for 51 to 100, $200 for 101 to 200, and $250 for more than 200. Family child care learning homes pay $50. For the 2027 license year the fee is due by December 1, 2026.
What are the staff-to-child ratios for Georgia child care centers?
Georgia centers must keep at least one staff member for every 6 infants, 8 one-year-olds, 10 two-year-olds, 15 three-year-olds, 18 four-year-olds, 20 five-year-olds and 25 children age six and older. Each age group also has a maximum group size.
Starting a daycare takes planning, but brightwheel can help you set up enrollment, billing and parent communication before you open.
