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Enforcement Actions

DECAL staff use a variety of enforcement actions to encourage and support compliance with the Bright from the Start Rules for Child Care Learning Centers and Family Child Care Learning Homes. These enforcement actions include citations at regulatory visits, developing plans of improvement, providing technical assistance and training, and holding office conferences. If it is determined that serious or continued noncompliance exists or a provider does not comply with a specific rule or law, such as the requirement to pay an annual license fee, another type of enforcement action may be taken. These enforcement actions are penalties that are allowed or directed by rules and/or laws that are issued to a provider.

Click here for descriptions of enforcement actions

Generally, enforcement actions, other than revocations, will remain on the website for five years after the mailing date as long as the facility remains open. Revocations remain permanently available for public viewing. Any action that is rescinded or reversed, including a revocation, will be removed from the website.

In accordance with O.C.G.A. Section 20-1A-12(i), the Department shall be immune from liability and suit for any errors or omissions except for gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct. Any errors or omissions are inadvertent and immediate action will be taken to resolve them once they are identified.

Click on one of the links below to view a list of enforcement actions by type or click here to search for enforcement actions.

  • Cease and Desist Orders
  • Consent Agreements
  • Denials
  • Enforcement Fines and/or Restricted Licenses
  • Other (Emergency Orders, Emergency Monitor, Injunctions, Inspection Warrants)
  • Revocations
  • Revocations - Non-Payment of License Fees
  • Revocations - Non-Payment of Enforcement Fines

Records held by DECAL may be requested by filing an Open Records Request. Click here for more information about the Open Records process.

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Ask CALi is an AI chatbot designed to provide responses to your questions for general informational purposes using data from decal.ga.gov. Please note that information provided by Ask CALi may be inaccurate or incomplete and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for making decisions or taking actions. Users are responsible for verifying all information provided.

For optimal responses, try to make your questions clear and specific. Ask CALi cannot answer questions about individual cases, so please do not share any personal information.

If you need official guidance, please contact DECAL directly at 888-442-7735 or 404-656-5957.

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