Child Care Learning Center

To create a DECAL KOALA account, visit: https://www.decalkoala.com/Default

All required documents must be uploaded to your online application before it can be submitted for review. The table below lists documents commonly required for an initial application.

For general licensing questions, 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 Location: Minimum 60 days
• Family Child Care Learning Homes: Minimum 45 days
• Change of Ownership: Minimum 45 days

Processing times begin after the application has been received, screened, and a confirmation email has been sent to the applicant.

Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) Application Requirements

• Complete the Child Care Licensing Orientation (CCO)
  • Submit a copy of your orientation certificate dated within the last 24 months.
  • Register through the Georgia Professional Development System for Early Educators (GaPDS): https://gapds.decal.ga.gov
• Submit a Complete License Application
  • Include all required forms and supporting documentation.
• Provide Business Registration Documents
  • Active and compliant registration with the Georgia Secretary of State: https://sos.ga.gov
  • Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Organization
  • Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization
  • Corporate bylaws or operating agreement
  Important: Information on your application must match the information on file with the Secretary of State.
• Provide Proof of Building Ownership or Lease
  • Property deed, mortgage statement, or lease agreement.
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) approval letter, if applicable.
• Affidavit for Lawful Presence
  • Completed and notarized.
  • Front and back copy of the verification document used to complete the affidavit.
• Provide Zoning Approval
  • Approval must be dated within the last 12 months and issued by the appropriate local agency.
• Submit a Floor Plan
  • Include all required details and checklist items.
• Submit a Site Plan
  • Include all required details and checklist items.
• Submit Operational Plans
  • Include all required operational plan documents and checklist items.
  • If you are not using Bright from the Start forms, provide sample copies of employee applications, orientation forms, and child enrollment forms.
  • The Operations Plan Checklist must be completed and submitted. Supporting operational documents will be reviewed during the onsite visit.
• Submit Transportation Documentation (if applicable)
  • Transportation training certificates for the center director and driver(s).
  • Vehicle inspection reports showing a passing inspection within the last 12 months.
  • Vehicle registration.
  • Vehicle insurance.
• Submit Fire Safety Documentation
  • State or local Fire Marshal inspection.
  • Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
• Provide a Building Certificate of Occupancy
• Submit a Staff Profile Sheet
  • Include the center director and all staff members.
  • Each person listed must have a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
• Provide Lead Teacher Credentials
  • Examples include TCC, CDA, diploma transcripts, associate degree (AA), bachelor's degree (BA), or a Professional Learning Plan.
• Provide Director Requirements
  • Copy of completed 40-hour Director Training
  • Credentials
    • Examples include CDA, TCC, diploma transcripts, AA, or BA.
  • CPR and First Aid Certification
  • 10-Year Work History
• Providing a Current Water Bill
  • The facility address must match the proposed center address.
• Provide Septic Documentation (if applicable)
  • Current septic tank inspection dated within the last 12 months if sewer service is not listed on the water bill.
• Provide Food Service Documentation (if applicable)
  • Food Service Permit.
  • Most recent inspection report.

Important Notes

• It is the applicant's responsibility to determine whether new inspections, approvals, or permits are required.
• If previously approved documents are being used, written confirmation from the appropriate state or local agency must be provided.
• Applications that are incomplete or missing required documents may delay the review process.

Processing time begins only after the application has been received, reviewed for completeness, and assigned to an Applicant Services Unit (ASU) consultant.

Documents List