Market Rate Studies

Georgia periodically examines the prices that child care providers charge across the state. The purpose of these studies is to determine local child care market rates and other information about child care providers in the state. Descriptions of each study and their associated reports are listed below.

The market rate studies are conducted, in part, to meet the state's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) requirements related to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization of 2014. See the CCDF State Plan page at https://www.decal.ga.gov/BftS/CCDFPlan.aspx for further details on how market rate analyses are used to inform state policies.

2026 Child Care Market Study

In 2026, DECAL is conducting a new market study. Our research partner for the study is the Georgia Policy Labs at Georgia State University. The study includes two surveys:

1) All licensed providers in Georgia are invited to participate in a Child Care Market Rate Survey. The survey has been sent out by email. The survey is a required component of Georgia’s Child Care and Development Fund and plays a critical role in informing the setting of CAPS payment rates that support provider sustainability and access to quality child care for families across the state.

To participate, please look for an email from the Georgia Policy Labs at Georgia State University: DECALMRS@gsu.edu

If you have not received the survey, please complete this form to submit your contact information: 2026 Market Rate Survey Participation Request

We strongly encourage you to take the time to complete the survey. Your responses will help ensure that child care payment rates are informed by accurate, timely, and provider‑reported data that reflect the true cost of operating child care programs in Georgia.

2) New for this year, a select number of Quality Rated CAPS providers will also be chosen to participate in a Child Care Cost Survey. This second survey asks about the costs associated with providing child care. This survey will also come from Georgia State University and will help us understand the cost of quality.

For any questions regarding this study, you may contact us at: ChildCareMarketStudy@decal.ga.gov

2024 Georgia Child Care Market Rate Analysis

DECAL contracted with Care Solutions, Inc. to conduct an analysis of Georgia child care rates collected in 2023 through state administrative data. The final report and appendices are posted here.

Georgia Child Care Market Rate Summary and Appendices

2021 Georgia Child Care Market Rate Survey

In 2021, DECAL contracted with Care Solutions, Inc. to conduct a statewide survey of the Georgia child care market, including child care prices and additional information about child care providers in the state. The final report and appendices are posted here.

2016 Georgia Child Care Market Rate Survey

In 2016, DECAL contracted with Care Solutions, Inc. to conduct a statewide survey of the Georgia child care market, including child care prices and additional information about child care providers in the state. The final report and appendices are available in a combined format here.

2013 Georgia Child Care Market Rate Survey

In 2013, DECAL contracted with Care Solutions, Inc. to conduct a statewide survey of the Georgia child care market, including child care prices and additional information about child care providers in the state. The final report and appendices are available in a combined format here.

Prior Market Rate Surveys

Prior to 2013, Georgia child care market rate surveys were commissioned by the Georgia Department of Human Services (previously Department of Human Resources). Final reports for biannual surveys since 2001 are posted here.