To apply for CAPS, you must submit a CAPS application in one of two ways: You can submit an application online by going to https://www.gateway.ga.gov/access/. See specific instructions here. If you need assistance in submitting an online application, call 1-833-4GACAPS (1-833-442-2277).

If for some reason you cannot submit an application online, contact us by telephone at 1-833-4GACAPS (1-833-442-2277) or by clicking on the link to the Contact Us page, and we will explain how you can submit a paper application.

To be eligible for CAPS, families must meet criteria related to residency in Georgia, child age, citizenship status, immunizations, proof of identity, participation in state-approved activities, and income limits. For detailed information, refer to the Eligibility Requirements webpage.

The documents required to accompany your CAPS application may include proof of residency, child’s birth certificate, proof of identity for parents, and income verification. See the Eligibility Requirements webpage for required verification documents.

The family’s gross applicable income must not exceed specific thresholds based on family size. Income limits vary by initial application and ongoing eligibility. For detailed income limits, refer to the Appendix A – Maximum Income Limits section on the CAPS website.

To maintain your child’s CAPS scholarship, you must complete the annual redetermination process, which you will be notified about via a notice from the Department of Early Care and Learning through mail or email.

This process involves submitting a renewal application on the Georgia Gateway website, uploading required verification documents, and completing a renewal phone interview. It’s essential to provide all necessary documentation and complete the interview before the specified deadline to avoid your case being closed. If your case does close, you will need to reapply and meet the current eligibility requirements.

To complete a redetermination, log in to your Georgia Gateway account at https://www.gateway.ga.gov/access/ and click “Renew my benefits” to update your information.

If for some reason you cannot submit a redetermination online, contact us by telephone at 1-833-4GACAPS (1-833-442-2277) or by clicking on the link to the Contact Us page, and we will explain how you can submit a paper redetermination or provide technical assistance.

Licensed child care programs and two categories of license-exempt programs (government owned and operated child care programs and day camps) are eligible to participate in CAPS. After a child care program is licensed by DECAL or receives a qualifying license exemption, the program may submit an application to be a CAPS provider. Licensed providers must participate in the Quality Rated program to be eligible to receive CAPS funds. To learn more about other requirements to become a CAPS child care provider, go to the CAPS Participating Providers Policy.

The first step in becoming a CAPS provider is to contact Provider Relations at CAPSProviderSupport@decal.ga.gov and ask to begin your application in our online system, GACAPS. Once you log in to GACAPS, you will be prompted to select a date to attend New CAPS Provider Orientation. After orientation, you can begin completing your application. CAPS Provider Relations will notify you when/if your application is approved.

Child Care Learning Centers and Licensed Family Child Care Learning Homes must provide the following:

Rates

Quality Rated Participation

Direct Deposit Bank Information-Voided Check or Bank Statement

Annual Registration for Secretary of State

Policies and Procedures

Complete a W9 in the GACAPS system application

Complete a Form 74 in the GACAPS system application

License-Exempt Providers must provide:

Rates

Direct Deposit Bank Information-Voided Check or Bank Statement

Annual Registration for Secretary of State

Policies and Procedures

Complete a W9 in the GACAPS system application

To maintain participation in CAPS, you will be required to complete and submit an annual renewal application in the GACAPS system. Provider Relations will send you a reminder via email and notify you in the GACAPS system when it is time to renew.

CAPS providers must participate in the Quality Rated program, complete the training and technical assistance required by the CAPS program, and comply with all requirements of other DECAL divisions (i.e., Pre-K, licensing, and nutrition programs).

No. CAPS will not pay for any child who has not been authorized for care. If you provide care outside the time covered by a child care scholarship, the family must pay the cost for that care.

You will receive a “scholarship” through the GACAPS system for every child approved for care. The scholarship, listed under the Scholarships tab in GACAPS, will include the details of the approved schedule. For more information about the types of scholarships, refer to the CAPS Provider Handbook , available in English and Spanish. REMEMBER: A scholarship must be issued in order for CAPS to provide payments.

You can reach CAPS Provider Relations by email at CAPSProviderSupport@decal.ga.gov or by telephone at 1-833-4GACAPS (1-833-442-2277). We are available to help with any questions or concerns you may have.