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Family Child Care Learning Home

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The Applicant Services Unit values the opportunity to work with you during the licensure process. Please note, processing times for Family Child Care Learning Homes take a minimum of 45 days and are reviewed in the order they are received. Please ensure all application information and required documentation are submitted to avoid further delays or the return of applications. Failure to provide requested documentation by deadlines given, can result in closure or denial of the application. Please do not send postal mail to the office; applications should be sent in PDF format via email to CCSASUAdmin@decal.ga.gov or fax to 770-359-5807, only. For general questions about the licensing process, feel free to call Bright from the Start at 404-657-5562, and ask to speak with the consultant of the day.


If you are interested in opening a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH), you must participate in the FCCLH licensing orientation prior to submitting an application for license. Orientation is required for all FCCLH applicants. Registration can be found on the Georgia Professional Development System for Early Educators (GaPDS) https://gapds.decal.ga.gov.

Once on the GaPDS website, click on the "Training" drop down box and find "OLLI Trainings." From there, search for “Family Child Care Learning Home Orientation” which will take you to the training registration. You will need to register on the GaPDS website to register for the training.

Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) applicants must obtain pre-service training that has been approved by the Department in order to submit a license for a FCCLH. Applicants should reference the document listed below, “Family Child Care Learning Home Five Training Areas.” Applicants may choose any of the workforce knowledge competencies listed within each of the five topic areas for two hours of training per topic area equaling at least 10 hours of pre-service training hours. In addition, applicants must obtain training in CPR and First Aid for Infants and Children in a classroom-based format by a licensed health care professional.

FCCLH applicants are required to possess one of the following education credentials:

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition and renewed upon expiration, https://www.cdacouncil.org
  • Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Childhood Education available through Technical College Systems of Georgia, https://tcsg.edu/find-a-college/programs/
  • Technical College Diploma (TCD) in Early Childhood Education available through Technical College Systems of Georgia, https://tcsg.edu/find-a-college/programs/
  • Paraprofessional Certificate (issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission), valid only to expiration date. When expired, this credential is not renewable unless employed by a local school system.

In lieu of possessing one of these valid credentials prior to licensure, an applicant may request a variance submitted with the licensure application to enroll in a program to obtain one of the credentials within six months of licensure and complete within two years. Assistance may be available at DECALScholars.com.

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