Core Rules Information

The Child Care Services (CCS) Division at the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) monitors child care programs using a system that focuses on certain “core rules” within 16 core rule categories. Core rules are specific rules within rule chapters that have been identified as having the greatest impact to the health and safety of children in care. Examples of core rules categories are transportation, swimming, medication, supervision, etc.

Core rules are evaluated by CCS Consultants during every regulatory visit to the child care program and impact the overall compliance determination of the program. When a core rule is cited, the risk level of the citation is also assessed. Risk level is assigned at low, medium, high, or extreme levels. The number of core rules cited, and the assigned risk level determines the child care program’s compliance level.

Documents List