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Starting a Child Care Program

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. Please do not send postal mail to the office; applications should be sent in PDF format via email to CCSASUAdmin@decal.ga.gov or fax to 770-359-5807, only. 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.

Starting a Child Care Program - A guide to information you need about Family Child Care Learning Homes and Child Care Learning Centers.

Summary: Learn the tasks and steps involved in starting a child care program: a Child Care Learning Center or Family Child Care Learning Home. Find the answers to common questions and concerns applicants have when opening a child care business, including employees and background checks.

Applies to: Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Learning Homes, Training, Rules and Regulations, Criminal Records Check, Livescan

Obtaining an Application and Training Requirements

A Family Child Care Learning Home is a program that operates in a private residential home for less than 24 hours per day. It provides care for three children, but no more than six, under the age of 18 for pay.

A Child Care Learning Center is a program operated by a person, society, agency, corporation, institution, or group that receives pay for group care. It provides care for 7 or more children under the age of 18 for less than 24 hours per day.

All applicants must obtain the applicable licensing packet for the type of child care program they are planning by downloading the applicable packet in the paragraphs below.

To apply to become a Family Child Care Learning Home

When applying for a Family Child Care Learning Home License, the applicant should refer to the Family Child Care Learning Home Applicant Guide and follow the Steps for Successful Family Child Care Learning Home Application; all forms are located at:

Child Care Services > Starting A Child Care Program > Family Child Care Learning Home

To apply to become a Child Care Learning Center

When opening or building a new child care learning center, not currently licensed and operating, use the Applicant's Guide to Licensing packet located along with additional forms and other useful documents at:

Child Care Services > Starting A Child Care Program > Child Care Learning Center

To apply for a Family Child Care Learning Home Change of Location

If you are a licensed Family Child Care Learning Home and you are planning to move to a different address, you must complete and submit the forms in the Family Child Care Learning Home Change of Location Packet. Please read and follow the instructions carefully. Any additional forms you may need can be found under Criminal Records Checks.

Child Care Services > Provider Resources > Family Child Care Learning Home Forms

Taking over the operation of a currently licensed child care program

When buying a program that is currently licensed and operating, you must complete and submit a Change of Ownership Application located at:

Child Care Services > Provider Resources > Child Care Learning Center Forms
Please review the Change of Ownership Tutorial with the link ASU-CoOWebinarPresentation.pdf

Training Requirements

As of February 1, 2009, new Family Child Care Learning Home Providers must obtain 20 hours of pre-service training before receiving a certificate of registration. To maintain their registration, new Family Child Care Learning Home providers and existing Family Child Care Learning Home providers must obtain 10 hours of training relating to the care of children on an annual basis.

Before obtaining an initial license, the director of a Child Care Learning Center must complete a Bright from the Start approved 40-hour director training course. To maintain their license, Child Care Learning Center Home staff must obtain 10 hours of training relating to the care of children on an annual basis. For information about training opportunities throughout Georgia, click on the link for the Georgia Professional Development System.

If you are interested in opening a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) or a Child Care Learning Center (CCLC), you must first attend a Licensure Orientation Meeting (LOM) specific to the type of program you are interested in operating. Attendance at one of these meetings is mandatory prior to submitting an application for license.

For additional information and other useful documents please visit:

Child Care Services > Starting A Child Care Program > Child Care Learning Center

Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations for each type of child care programs can be found at:

Child Care Services > Rules and Regulations

Criminal Records Checks

Before hiring your employees, read the Before You Hire a New Employee document and the additional information found on the Criminal Records Check page. This information including the criminal records check application, Livescan instructions, and notices on changes to the application are located at:

Child Care Services > Starting A Child Care Program> Criminal Records Check