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Georgia Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Georgia. Georgia also administers a state-funded preschool program — Georgia’s Pre-K Program — with additional requirements.

Georgia Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with DECAL)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group 20
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) — Child Care Licensing
Regulatory code	Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1
State-funded program	Georgia’s Pre-K Program

Georgia preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Georgia must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) under Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1.

Georgia state-funded preschool: Georgia’s Pre-K Program — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	20	Ages 3–5 years
State-funded preschool (Georgia’s Pre-K Program)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start). Always verify current ratios with DECAL.

Georgia preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Georgia childcare center license require a director meeting Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start)’s qualification standards under Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Georgia must meet minimum education requirements set by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start). Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Georgia-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Georgia

Private preschool programs in Georgia follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start):

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) center license (private preschool) or Georgia’s Pre-K Program contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) — Child Care Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start)’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1.
For a state-funded preschool: contact DECAL (Dept of Early Care and Learning) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Georgia’s Pre-K Program contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) — Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://decal.ga.gov/ccs/rulesandregulations.aspx

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Frequently asked questions: Georgia preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Georgia need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Georgia that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) under Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20. Contact Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Georgia preschool teacher need?

Georgia preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) under Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Georgia preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) in Georgia, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of 20. For state-funded programs (Georgia’s Pre-K Program), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Georgia’s Pre-K Program and who qualifies?

Yes — Georgia administers Georgia’s Pre-K Program. This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Georgia?

Kindergarten in Georgia is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start). Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) under Rules of Bright from the Start, Chapter 591-1-1 and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Georgia Childcare Center Requirements, Georgia Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Georgia Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) at https://decal.ga.gov/ccs/rulesandregulations.aspx before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.