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Family Child Care Learning Home

Applications Accepted via Email and Fax Only!

The Applicant Services Unit values the opportunity to work with you during the licensure process. Please note, processing times for applications varies by application type and are processed in the order they are received. Please ensure all application information and required documentation are submitted to avoid delays or the return of applications. Failure to provide a complete application and required documentation, can result in closure or denial of the application. Applications must be submitted via DECAL KOALA only! Email or Fax applications are no longer accepted.

You can establish a DECAL Koala account by clicking on the link below and then following the instructions on the webpage.

DECAL Koala - https://www.decalkoala.com/Default

All required documents must be uploaded to the online application before it may be submitted for review. In the table below are some of the documents required for the Initial application.

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.

Application Processing Times:

Child Care Learning Centers/Change of Locations: Minimum of 60 days
Family Child Care Learning Homes: Minimum 45 days
Change of Ownership: Minimum of 45 days

*Please note processing time starts once applications have been received, screened and confirmation receipt emails have been sent to applicants.


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.

In addition to the information above, if you are interested in opening a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH), complete the FCCLH online application and follow ALL required steps below:

Family Child Care Learning Home Application:

  1. Completion of 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.
  2. Completion of the Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) pre-service training **This training has to be approved by the Department in order to submit a license for a FCCLH**
    • 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.
  3. Completed Application for License and all required documents
  4. Proof of home ownership or lease agreement
    • Homeowner association letter (if applicable)
    • Landlord/Homeowner authorization letter (if applicable)
  5. Completed Criminal Record Check Acknowledgement Form.
  6. Copy of Zoning Approval dated within last 12 months from appropriate agency with local jurisdiction
  7. Completed Floor Plan
  8. Completed Affidavit for Lawful Presence (signed and notarized) and Verification (front and back copy)
  9. State or local Fire Marshall Inspection and CO* (if applicable)
  10. Building Certificate of Occupancy* (if applicable)
  11. Copy of Director Credentials (TCC, CDA, AA, BA, Paraprofessional Certificate, etc.)
  12. Director’s CPR and First Aid for Infants and Children.
  13. Director’s application displaying 10-Year Work History
  14. Copy of Water Bill with facility address listed as site address
  15. Copy of Water/Sewer verification (required if you’re not on public water/sewer)
    • Septic requirements: Copy of Current Septic tank Inspection dated within 12 months stating that the tank is in good repair (required if sewer charges are not listed on submitted water bill)
    • Well Water requirements: Copy of Current environmental Health report dated within 12 months from the county stating that the water is safe for drinking

*Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine if new approvals are required and submit the documentation accordingly. Written statements from the state of or local entities must be provided as written proof in order to use prior approved documents.

Please ensure all required documents for the application are present before submission. Missing documents will delay the initial review process. Once received, reviewed for all application requirements, and assigned to an ASU consultant, the processing time begins.

Documents List