Quality child care offers a stimulating, nurturing environment where children are kept healthy and safe. Quality child care uses teaching methods based on each child’s age and stage of development while valuing a child’s family, language and culture.

High-quality child care fulfills two important goals which are: 1) To ensure the health and safety of children and 2) To nurture and help children develop in ways that prepare them for school and in their lives outside of school by increasing their social, emotional and communication skills.

Go to www.decal.ga.gov/QualityInitiatives/CAPS.aspx.

Parents should provide identifying information (i.e., name, birth date, home address, etc.), contact and health information for the child; evidence of age appropriate immunizations or a signed affidavit against such immunizations; and a statement from a medical authority regarding any special health related procedures to be followed while caring for the child.

Prior to child care programs being issued a license and given permission to operate by the Department of Early Care and Learning, an Initial Licensing Study is conducted in which the entire premises and all rules and regulations are thoroughly inspected. Thereafter, child care programs may receive a Licensing Study, a Monitoring Visit, a Complaint Investigation, Incident Investigation or a Technical Assistance visit. A Licensing Study is an annual on-site rule-by-rule inspection of a child care program to assess compliance with current rules and regulations. Monitoring visits are follow-up visits made to determine whether previous rule noncompliance has been corrected. Complaint and Incident investigations are conducted to investigate allegations of rule violations. Technical Assistance visits are conducted to provide resources and assistance such as coaching, modeling, training and providing guidance to child care programs.

Each child care program receives a minimum of two visits a year; a Licensing Study and a Monitoring Visit. The frequency of additional visits is determined by the child care program’s compliance with rules. All allegations of rule violations are investigated regardless of compliance history.

Reports are typically on the Department of Early Care and Learning’s (DECAL) website ten (10) days after the date of the visit and remain posted for 18 months. Some complaint and incident investigation reports may not show within this time frame. Contact DECAL at 404-657-5562 for information about a report that is not showing. After 18 months, reports are no longer displayed on the website.

All licensed programs that are currently operating can be found by using the Child Care Location Search feature. If a child care program is not visible on the Department of Early Care and Learning’s (DECAL) website, the program may either be exempt or unlicensed. For further information regarding a program that is not on the website, contact DECAL at 404-657-5562.

This type of program is usually exempt from licensure, which means the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has no jurisdiction over the program. Contact our office to determine if the facility has an exemption approval for the program. If a license is required, DECAL will contact the facility to inform them of this requirement.

An exemption approval means the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has no jurisdiction over the program. Contact the local county Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office to report abuse or serious neglect of children. Otherwise, contact the owner or governing body of the program to discuss other issues or concerns. If an exempt program is operating outside the requirements of the exemption approval this should be reported to DECAL for further follow-up by calling 404-657-5562.

Different types of programs, like Child Care Learning Centers or Family Child Care Learning Homes, charge different prices. It also depends on the location; child care in large metropolitan areas can cost more than child care in smaller communities. The age of the child also affects child care costs (e.g.,younger children cost more to care for).

For information and assistance with paying for child care, contact the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program for assistance with child care subsidy.

Choosing a child care program is a very personal decision. After deciding on several possible programs, call each program and ask a few questions over the phone (e.g., fees charged, ages of children served, etc.). In order to effectively judge what a child care program is like, visit the program look around and meet the staff and director. Ask Child Care Learning Center directors/ and caregivers and Family Child Care Learning Home child care providers questions such as hours of operation, fees, and vacation schedules. Discuss views on childrearing issues like discipline, feeding, and sleeping. Get a schedule of the day's activities and the child care program's policies. Pay attention to your gut feeling about the quality of the program and how the director or caregiver handles the questions. Listen to interactions between staff and children. Tour the program multiple times, if necessary. Go to Searching for a Program.

A complaint can be filed, and information obtained about complaint investigations by contacting the Department of Early Care and Learning at 404-657-5562. To view any health and safety complaint findings or inspection reports, within the past 18 months, or for specific facilities, click here to search.

Per regulations set forth by the Department of Early Care and Learning, a child shall not be accepted nor allowed to remain at the a child care program if the child has the equivalent of a 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher oral temperature and another contagious symptom, such as but not limited to, a rash, diarrhea or a sore throat. When a child shows symptoms of illness during the day, the child shall be moved to a quiet area away from other children. However, the child must be constantly supervised and provided the necessary attention until the child leaves the child care program, or is able to return to the child's group. Some child care programs may have more stringent policies. Please inquire at a particular child care program for their specific policies.

First, determine the best program type for your family: a Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) or Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH). What is the location of the program? Ask friends and family for suggestions and use our Child Care Location Search or Call 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS to speak with a representative who can refer you to licensed CCLC and FCCLH in your area.

Within 24 hours or the next work day, the child care program must report any death of a child while in the care of the program; any serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization or professional medical attention other than first aid; any situation when a child in care becomes missing, such as, but not limited to, a child who is left on a vehicle, a child who leaves the building, playground, or property, or a child who is left behind on any trip; any fire; any structural disaster; any emergency situation that requires temporarily relocating children; and any time the program’s operating status changes (i.e., open to closed or temporarily closed and temporarily closed to open); any cases or suspected cases of notifiable communicable diseases (COVID-19, Tuberculosis, Measles, etc.) or any viruses or illnesses identified during a public health emergency; and any suspected incidents of child abuse, neglect or deprivation to the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). These may be reported by clicking the Required Reporting tab while when visiting the child care program’s DECAL KOALA account.

A change of ownership application along with other required paperwork must be submitted to the Department as soon as the ownership changes. This application form is available in Child Care Learning Center forms > Change of Ownership Application.

Pre-K Applications are available in February of each year on this website or by calling 1-888-4GA-PREK (1-888-442-7735). For information on applying for Child and Adult Food Program and Summer Food Service Program, please refer to Nutrition Services.

Family Child Care Learning Homes can operate within a residential property provided city and county ordinances are met. Child Care Learning Centers must be located in buildings approved by local zoning authorities for use as a child care program.

No. The license to operate a child care facility is non-transferable. If the Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) provider moves to another address, he/she will have to notify the Department, complete a change of location application and follow the instructions necessary for the location change. If a Child Care Learning Center changes location, an application to license the new location must be submitted, and the location approved, prior to moving.

All Child Care Learning Centers and Family Child Care Learning Homes licenses expire at the end of the calendar year on December 31st. The payment of the annual license fee will generate a new license for the upcoming year. License fee payments can be paid to the Department by using the child care program’s DECAL KOALA account.

Prior to licensure, a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) provider will need to obtain 20 hours pre-service training, and thereafter, 10 hours of state approved training during each year of licensure. Prior to becoming licensed, the Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) director is required to complete a 40-hour director training. Following licensure, staff members are required to complete 10 hours of state approved training each year. All state approved training can be found using the Georgia Professional Development System ( GaPDS ). First Aid & CPR training are required prior to licensure for the CCLC director and the FCCLH director provider. Please note that first aid and CPR training do not count as part of the 10 hours of required annual training.

No. The requirement for fire safety training is under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal’s office.  The five hour initial training course is required to be completed by the director within 90 days of licensure (or within 90 days of employment for staff members hired after licensure).  For the director, DECAL will count 5 hours from the initial training toward the first 10 hour annual training requirement.  For all other staff, DECAL will count 2.5 hours from the initial five-hour training toward their annual training requirement.

Approved trainers and training classes can be found by visiting the Georgia Professional Development System, ( GaPDS ). For all First Aid and CPR courses, please ensure that a certified First Aid/CPR trainer issues a card documenting current certification in First Aid and Child and Adult CPR. Please keep the original or a copy of First Aid/CPR card(s) on file in your facility.

For information regarding the CDA credential, please refer to the Council on Professional Recognition website.

Contact the Department of Early Care and Learning at 404-657-5562 and request this information.

There are many funding opportunities for child care programs available on Funding Opportunities and Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS).

Yes. All residents who are age 17 years old and older must submit to a national fingerprint background check and obtain a satisfactory determination from the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).
Individuals who reside in the home and turn 17 years old should obtain a national fingerprint background check immediately.

• All licensed childcare facility providers, directors, and employees (including students-in-training, volunteers, and residents) hired on or after January 1, 2014 are required to undergo a national fingerprint background check and obtain a satisfactory determination from the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).
• A new fingerprint background check will be required every five years.

Criminal Record Checks (CRC) information and documents may be accessed on the Criminal Records Check page under Child Care Services. The two parts to complete the CRC process for the above individuals is to submit a Records Check Application to the Department of Early Care and Learning(DECAL) through DECAL KOALA and to have the Live scan Fingerprinting Process performed through the Gemalto system. It is important that the Provider/Director complete both the CRC Application and the Live Scan Fingerprinting Process so that CRC information may be processed in a timely manner. By not submitting the CRC application to DECAL and/or not fingerprinting through Live Scan, CRC information for the Provider/Director cannot be fully processed and CRC results will be withheld.

DECAL may or may not have a copy of the original CRC clearance letter. It is the responsibility of the individual receiving the background check to maintain and have readily available, a copy of any CRC documentation. CRC documentation includes: CRC determination status letters, and requests for additional CRC information to make determinations. Additionally, any court documents relating to criminal records, and any documents from other law enforcement agencies that pertain to information for a CRC clearance must also be maintained. Failure to maintain a proper CRC clearance may result in repeating the Live Scan fingerprint process unless that documentation is currently on file with DECAL.

DECAL retrieves the results from Live Scan fingerprinting directly from the Gemalto system. Applicants are required to submit a Records Check Application that allows DECAL to retrieve the results. Without this application, DECAL will not know whether or not the applicant was submitted for Live Scan fingerprinting.

Copies of CRC determinations or results may be submitted to DECAL, however, they must be current. The original is maintained by the Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) or Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) of any criminal record check results and/or other relevant criminal record check documentation. This includes any copies of criminal record check status or determination letters from DECAL. Also, it is important that a copy is always maintained by the individual for whom the criminal record check is on. 

• STEP ONE: Click on the link to download and follow the Live Scan instructions Criminal Records Check
• STEP TWO: Register with the Gemalto system at https://pci.aps.gemalto.com/gaperlpub/landing_page_1.pl. Be sure to make a note of the Registration ID # which is required to be documented on the records check application.
• STEP THREE: Submit your fingerprints electronically at the fingerprint location nearest to you. Click here to find a location: https://pci.aps.gemalto.com/gaperlpub/landing_page_1.pl. The Fingerprinting site will provide you with a Transaction Confirmation Number (TCN). Be sure to make a note of the TCN and keep it for your records.
• STEP FOUR: Submit a Records Check Application.
  Directors/Providers/Program Administrators can submit an application for any employee electronically from DECAL KOALA.
  Individual Applicants can submit an application electronically on the DECAL website at Criminal Records Check for the employer to review.
  Applications can be mailed to DECAL at the address listed on the bottom of the paper application.
  Criminal Records Check

Providers can obtain a copy of an employee’s determination letter from DECAL KOALA. When you log in to DECAL KOALA, you will be able to download and print the latest available letter for an employee.

You should look at the As of Date on the Satisfactory Determination Letter. If the As of Date is over a year old at time of portability then it is expired and the applicant will need to be fingerprinted.

Yes, an applicant can work as a provisional employee for up to 21 calendar days from the Date of Hire if they have a satisfactory clearance from a local law enforcement agency. They must submit a Records Check Application, register for the fingerprinting process, and submit his/her fingerprints to a LiveScan fingerprint location during the the 21-day period, if s/he is to remain on site.

Your facility can submit a Portability Request online through DECAL KOALA. If your letter is still portable, it will be accessible to your employer through that portal. Alternatively, you may contact our office at 1- 855-884-7444 or by email at CRCHelpDesk@decal.ga.gov to have a copy of your letter sent to you by email or by mail.

A student-in-training can use their determination letter at more than one licensed facility as long as it remains portable. A student-in-training must submit verification of current enrollment in an early education curriculum through an accredited school of higher education with his/her Records Check Application. On or after January 1, 2016 a clearance letter issued for a student-in-training will be portable for a period of two years.

Students should submit a copy of their current class schedule or a letter from the accredited school of higher education verifying enrollment in an early education program.

All child care programs require an application for either a license or an exemption. The program would be considered exempt only after an application is reviewed, approved and an approval letter has been received.

Exemptions are approved for a program at a specific location. If the program is relocated or opens an additional program at another location, the program must submit a new exemption request form for the new location with all the required supporting documentation (even if there are no other program changes).

If children can attend every day and the program charges a fee, the after school program may be required to obtain a license. However, if the after school program meets specified criteria, it may qualify for an exemption. Information about exemption criteria can be found by reviewing the document, Exemption Categories.

No. The after school program is a separate program and will require a license, or an exemption before opening. The licensing process typically takes three to six months. Exemption applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis. Complete exemption applications are typically processed within 30 days.

Submit printed information used to inform parents or the public about the program that includes details such as, but not limited to, the operating days and hours, the ages of children served, any attendance limitations, and fees charged, etc. This could be a flyer, brochure, page(s) from a parent handbook or policies, etc. This is required information, and exemption forms submitted without this documentation will be returned.

Georgia law requires an annual license fee for all Child Care Learning Centers and Family Child Care Learning Homes. Payment of the annual license fee is due by December 1st of each year. A late fee in the amount of half of the license fee will be added to the total fee due on December 31st if your fee is not paid.

DECAL does not keep any of the license fees collected. All license fees received are transferred to the General Fund of the State of Georgia Treasury.

A child care program’s license fee is determined by the licensed capacity that the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has on file for your child care program. The licensed capacity is the number of children your child care program is approved to care for. If you are a Family Child Care Learning Home, your licensed capacity is 6 children. If you are a Child Care Learning Center, your licensed capacity was determined by your program's room measurements. The annual fees are:

• Less than 25 children $50
• 25 to 50 children $100
• 51 to 100 children  $150
• 101 to 200 children $200
• More than 200 children  $250

You can pay online from DECAL KOALA (www.decalkoala.com) using Visa, MasterCard, or by electronic check. You can find information about making an online payment at Child Care Services > License Fee Information or by logging in to your DECAL KOALA account. Though online payments are preferred, you can also pay your license fee by sending a money order or certified check, made payable to the Department of Early Care and Learning, to:

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Child Care Services Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, 670 East Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

To make sure we apply your payment to the correct program, you must include your program name and license number on your money order or cashier’s check. If you are a Family Child Care Learning Home provider, the name on your license certificate (your name) is your program name.

We are working with an online payment company to offer you the convenience of paying your license fee online. This fee helps to cover the cost of providing that service for you.

License fees are nonrefundable and will not be returned to you.

The additional amount you paid will be credited to your license fee payment for the next calendar year. We will not send a refund if you pay more than the amount due. Please take care to make sure you pay the correct amount.

If you make the license fee payment online with a credit card, or by sending a certified check or money order, we will e-mail the license for your child care program to the e-mail address on file after the payment is processed, typically within one-two days. If you pay the license fee online with an electronic check or send a personal check, we will e-mail the license for your child care program to you after 21 days.

If you pay online, you will be able to print a receipt during the payment process. The license we send you will include the amount of the license fee paid and the date the fee was paid.

It is critical that we have your current e-mail address because we communicate all information using the e-mail address we have on file for you. Once your annual license fee is paid, we will send your annual license to the e-mail address we have on file for your program. You will need to print the license to display in your program. Licenses should be printed on white paper. You can quickly and easily update your contact information in DECAL KOALA if your e-mail address changes.

E-mail questions about annual license fees to feepayment@decal.ga.gov and we will answer your questions. You may also contact Child Care Services by calling 404-657-5562. You can check our website and your e-mail regularly for current and important information.

We will continue to update you with current information by e-mail and by postings to our website and social media pages. We also send important information to the e-mail address we have on file for you. You should immediately update your e-mail address in DECAL KOALA if it changes and check your e-mail regularly.

Yes. Licenses are not transferable to a new address. When you move to a new location, you must pay the annual fee for that location in order for us to send you a new license. Also, if an existing Child Care Learning Center is purchased, the new owner must pay the annual license fee (after permission to operate is granted) in order for us to send a new license to them.

This information can be found in the rules and regulations for each type of child care program that is licensed by the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Copies of rules and regulations are available in Child Care Services > Rules and Regulations. For further information contact DECAL at 404-657-5562 and ask to speak with a Child Care Services intake consultant on duty.

There is no specified temperature in the rules and regulations. The Department of Early Care and Learning recommends that programs refer to the Child Care Weather Watch chart located on the Forms page > Child Care Learning Centers or Family Child Care Learning Homes.

The Child Care Learning Center and Family Child Care Learning Home Indicator Manuals are tools for determining compliance with licensing rules and to assist child care program owners and staff in understanding and meeting the rules and regulations. The manuals provide a general overview of licensing rules and gives additional information to broaden one's knowledge about the intent and meaning of specific rules. The Indicator Manuals can be found on DECAL's website by following Child Care Services > Rules and Regulations > Rule Guidance.

To obtain a Family Child Care Learning Home license, a provider must be 21 years old or older and meet education requirements, as detailed in the Family Child Care Learning Home Rules and Regulations in the Staffing and Supervision chapter. The individual must submit to Livescan fingerprinting through Gemalto system and complete 20 hours of pre-service training which includes attending a FCCLH License Orientation Meeting (LOM). Additionally, the prospective provider must have current Infant, Child & Adult CPR training & First Aid training. Other adults (17 years and older) living in the home must submit to a national fingerprint background check. For an application and listing of requirements go to Family Child Care Learning Home located at Child Care Services > Starting a Child Care Program > Family Child Care Learning Home.

Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) providers can keep no more than 6 unrelated children for pay or no pay. However, the provider is allowed to care for two additional children, three years and older for two hours daily upon request. The Request to Care for Additional Children form must be completed & submitted to the Department of Early Care and Learning.

The process typically takes between one to six months from the time a complete application is submitted until the Family Child Care Learning Home is licensed to operate. The timeframe varies among applicants, depending on the submission of all required documentation along with the application form. Applications are reviewed on a first-received, first-reviewed basis.

Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) providers must adhere to city and county ordinances. If the city or county requires a business license, then the FCCLH provider will need to follow that requirement.

Yes. Family Child Care Learning Homes can be operated within residential property provided that the provider is adhering to city and county ordinances and all rental/lease agreements.

Yes, an outside play area is required with a fence or approved barrier. The designated outside play area must be at the Family Child Care Learning Home or within the apartment complex or subdivision unless otherwise approved by the Department Early Care and Learning. For questions, contact DECAL at 404-657-5562.

A minimum of ten (10) hours of state approved training is required annually. State approved training may be found by visiting the Georgia Professional Development System ( GaPDS ).

An informal provider provides care in their home to related children that are subsidized by the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Informal providers are not required to hold a license. Anyone interested in this, should contact their local DFCS office for information.

To obtain a license, an owner must have a building with all required facility approvals. The owner or director must attend a CCLC Licensing Orientation Meeting (LOM). The director must be 21 years old or older with the required education and experience and have documentation of current Infant, Child & Adult CPR & First Aid training. Additionally, the director must have satisfactory Live Scan fingerprints through Gemalto and have completed a 40 hour director training course. For an application and requirements go to Child Care Learning Center, located at Child Care Services > Starting a Child Care Program > Child Care Learning Center

The process typically takes a minimum of three to six months from the time the application is submitted until the child care program is licensed to operate. The timeframe varies among applicants, depending on the clarity and accuracy of the plans and information submitted.  Plans are reviewed on a first-received, first-reviewed basis.

No, you must be granted permission to operate by the Department of Early Care and Learning prior to opening for business.

No, the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) must grant permission to operate prior to opening for business at a new location. Operation at the old location is permitted until the new location is issued a license. A license is not transferrable from one address to another.

Yes. The law requires that any agency, individual or entity caring for three or more children be licensed. Certain programs offered by churches and other organizations MAY meet specific exemption criteria which would eliminate the need for licensure. For specific questions, please contact the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) at 404-657-5562.

Yes. The law requires that any agency, individual or entity caring for three or more children of any age be licensed unless they have obtained an exemption from licensure.  This includes after school programs. For specific questions, please contact DECAL at 404-657-5562. 

Application Part A requires submission of zoning verification for the location of the child care program. The agency or department with zoning jurisdiction for the area must provide a document stating the zoning district of the facility, and that  a licensed child care facility is a permitted use in that zoning district.

No. In addition to Application Part A, submit zoning verification for the location of the facility, verified by the local planning/zoning office.  For your Application Part B, provide additional approvals and inspections from the agency or department with fire marshal jurisdiction. Additionally, documentation of a building inspection or certificate of occupancy is needed from the local building department. If a septic tank is on the facility property, submit documentation of an inspection from the local county environmental health office.

No, Application Part A will not be accepted without two copies of the floor and site plans for the specific location identified on the application.

Yes. The Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers (CCLC) and Family Child Care Learning Homes (FCCLH) require an outdoor play space that is adjacent to the facility or home, can be reached by a safe route, and is completely enclosed by a fence or other approved barrier. The outdoor play space for a CCLC with a licensed capacity of 7-18 children must have enough space to accommodate the facility’s entire capacity at 100 square feet. of space per child (i.e., A center which serves 18 children must have an 1800 sq. ft. playground). The outdoor space for a CCLC with a licensed capacity of 19+ children must have enough space to accommodate a minimum of 1/3 of the center’s overall capacity at 100 sq. ft. per child (i.e., A center with a capacity of 75 children must have a playground that can hold at least 25 children = equaling a minimum of 2500 sq. ft). A FCCLH outdoor play does not have a size requirement, however, it shall be large enough for children to move freely without be overcrowded.

The rules require that prior to the issuance of an initial license, the director of a Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) who is responsible for its day-to-day operations must complete a 40-hr. Director’s Training course that has been approved by the Department of Early Care and Learning. The list of approved 40-hour Director Trainings can be found from the "Find Training" option in the gold bar at the top of our training homepage (www.training.decal.ga.gov). Click "General search" then "Basic search" where you will type "40-hour Director Training" in the keyword box and then search. A list of approved trainings and the approved contact information will be displayed. Any of these trainers can be contacted to find out when and where their next training will be held and how to register for a session. If a program changes status from a Family Child Care Learning Home to CCLC, the director is required to take the 40-hour Director Training.

Contact the Department of Early Care and Learning at 404-657-5562 with any questions about starting a child care program.