Written by

Tara Farmer

August 6, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

How to open a daycare in Georgia

Starting a daycare in Georgia can be an incredibly rewarding way to make a difference in children's lives while building a successful business. Whether you're passionate about early childhood education or looking for a meaningful career change, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.

We'll cover both in-home daycare requirements for Georgia and the state's requirements for larger child care centers.

Georgia daycare licensing

Georgia takes child safety seriously, which means there are specific regulations you'll need to follow. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) oversees all child care facilities in the state. Before you can open your doors, you'll need to meet their licensing requirements.

Georgia offers two licensing options depending on the size and scope of your child care operation. Understanding these options will help you choose the path that best fits your goals, budget, and living situation.

Family Child Care Learning Home

A Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) license allows you to care for 3 to 6 children under age 18 in your private residence for fewer than 24 hours per day. This license is perfect for starting small or working from home.

To qualify for an FCCLH license, providers must:

• Be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED.

• Attend a mandatory orientation meeting.

• Complete 10 hours of pre-service training.

• Obtain CPR and First Aid certifications.

• Pass background checks for all adults 17+ living in the home.

• Possess one of the following education credentials (or complete within two years):

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in early childhood education

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

  • Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) or Technical College Diploma (TCD) in Early Childhood Education

  • Paraprofessional Certificate from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

Child Care Learning Center

A Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) is any center-based care facility where you provide care for seven or more children under age 18 for fewer than 24 hours per day in a non-residential facility. This option allows greater earning potential but requires more planning and compliance.

In addition to the FCCLH requirements, CCLC providers must:

• Complete a 40-hour Director Training course.

• Complete a 10-hours Health and Safety Orientation within 90 days.

• Obtain approval letters from state and local agencies for fire, zoning, building, and health regulations.

• Meet commercial building codes, capacity requirements, and safety standards.

• Meet required staff-to-child ratios:

Step 1: Attend a licensing orientation

Before you can apply for a license, Georgia requires all prospective daycare providers to attend a licensing orientation. This is an essential step that helps you understand state laws, regulations, and best practices for running a daycare.

• FCCLH applicants: Complete a free 6-hour Licensure Orientation Meeting (LOM), online or in person, covering business management, state laws, and operational best practices.

• CCLC applicants: Complete the Child Care Learning Center Orientation (CCO) through the Georgia Professional Development System for Early Educators.

Step 2: Complete required training

Training is a cornerstone of quality child care. Georgia requires all daycare providers to complete specific training before opening and to maintain ongoing professional development.

• FCCLH providers: The required 10-hour pre-service covers Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards, communication, leadership, and business management.

• CCLC directors: The required 40-hour Director Training course covers fiscal management, curriculum planning, family engagement, staff supervision, and health/safety protocols.

All staff must also obtain CPR and First Aid certifications and participate in ongoing annual training.

Step 3: Prepare your facility

Your physical environment is crucial for both licensing approval and providing quality care. The specific requirements vary depending on whether you're opening a home daycare or a commercial center, but safety and child-friendly design are priorities for both.

No matter what type of daycare you open, you'll need to ensure your facility meets all health, safety, and fire standards and complies with all the requirements of the state and local agencies that govern your location.

Space requirements

For a Family Child Care Learning Home, your residence must provide adequate space for the number of children you'll serve. Georgia requires 35 square feet per child indoors. You'll need designated areas for different activities like sleeping, eating, and playing.

Commercial Child Care Centers have more complex space requirements including minimum square footage per child, proper ventilation systems, commercial kitchen facilities if serving meals, and accessibility compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Outdoor areas

If you plan to serve children regularly, you'll need a safe outdoor play area. This space must be fenced, free from hazards, and age-appropriate for the children you'll serve. For CCLCs, outdoor space requirements are more extensive and must meet commercial playground safety standards.

Equipment and supplies

Invest in quality, age-appropriate toys, furniture, and learning materials. You'll need cribs or cots for naptime, child-sized tables and chairs, and plenty of educational toys and books. Review our Ultimate Daycare Supplies List to ensure you have everything you need.

Step 4: Submit your license application

Once you've completed your training and prepared your facility, it's time to submit your application to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). They require everyone to submit applications online through DECAL Koala.

You'll need to gather and submit:

• Completed application forms (available on the DECAL website)

• Proof of education and training for all providers and staff

• Criminal record check acknowledgements for all adults in the home or center

• Proof of ownership or lease or rental agreement

• Zoning and business license approval letters (or statements if not required)

• Floor plans and site plans of your facility

• Fire and health inspection certificates

• Proof of water and sewage compliance (especially important for well or septic systems)

• Staff profiles and director credentials (for CCLC)

• Vehicle inspection forms (if you'll be transporting children)

• And more information on the DECAL website

Step 5: Complete the inspection process

Once your application has been reviewed and meets all requirements, the inspection phase begins. This is a crucial step where DECAL ensures your facility complies with all Georgia child care laws and safety standards.

• Family Child Care Learning Homes: A DECAL consultant will inspect your home to ensure compliance with Georgia child care laws. They'll check for health and safety hazards and verify the qualifications of all adults in the home. See Georgia's FCCLH licensing guide for a full list of items that may be reviewed during your inspection visit.

• Child Care Learning Centers: An Administrative Services Unit (ASU) consultant will conduct an onsite inspection to assess compliance with Georgia child care laws. This includes reviewing your facility's safety measures, staff qualifications, and operational procedures.

Be prepared to answer questions and demonstrate your knowledge of daily routines, emergency procedures, and state regulations.

Step 6: Pay licensing fees

Once your facility passes inspection, you'll need to pay your licensing fees and receive your official license to operate. The annual licensing fee for a Family Child Care Learning Home is $50. The annual fee for a Child Care Learning Center is $50 to $250, depending on the facility's capacity.

Applicants must pay fees within 30 days of approval. Once paid, you'll receive your official license and can begin enrolling children.

Step 7: Develop policies and procedures

Clear, well-written policies are the backbone of a successful daycare. They help set expectations for families and staff, ensure consistency, and protect your business.

Your policies should cover:

• Hours of operation, holidays, and inclement weather procedures

• Tuition, fees, and payment terms

• Enrollment and withdrawal procedures

• Health and illness protocols, including immunization requirements and a daycare sick policy

• Staff hiring, training, and background check procedures

• Emergency and safety procedures, including fire drills and lockdowns

• Drop-off and pick-up routines, including authorized pick-up lists

• Behavior management and discipline policies

• Meals, snacks, and nap times

• Reporting suspected abuse or neglect

Compile these policies into a family handbook and review them regularly to ensure they remain current and compliant.

Step 8: Set up your business operations

Running a daycare is more than just caring for children, it's also a business. Setting up strong operations from the start will help you stay organized and successful.

Creating a business plan

A solid business plan outlines your mission, target market, services, and financial projections. It should include:

• Your daycare's vision and values

• Market analysis and competition

• Marketing and outreach strategies

• Staffing and training plans

• Budget and financial forecasts

A business plan not only guides your decisions but can also help secure funding or loans.

Hiring and training staff

If you're planning a larger operation, you'll need qualified staff. Georgia has specific requirements for daycare workers, including background checks and ongoing training requirements to keep teams up to date on best practices and regulatory changes.

Look for candidates with early childhood education experience or certifications. Even if experience isn't required, hiring people who genuinely love working with children makes a huge difference in your program's quality.

Planning curriculum and activities

A high-quality curriculum promotes learning and development through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Plan daily daycare schedules that include:

• Circle time and group activities

• Outdoor play and physical activity

• Arts, crafts, and music

• Storytime and literacy development

• Rest and nap periods

• Meals and snacks

Align your curriculum with Georgia's Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) for best results.

Step 9: Handle legal and financial requirements

Establishing your daycare as a legitimate business involves several legal and financial considerations. Taking care of these requirements early will protect your operation and ensure smooth day-to-day management.

• Business structure: Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Each has different tax implications and liability protections. Consider consulting with an attorney or accountant to make the best choice for your situation.

• Insurance: You'll need liability insurance to protect your business. Many insurance providers offer specialized daycare policies that cover incidents involving children. This isn't just smart business, it's often required for licensing.

• Taxes and permits: Register for state and federal tax IDs and obtain any required local business permits. Keep detailed records from day one, as this will make tax time much easier.

Step 10: Market your daycare

Once you're licensed and ready to open, you'll need to attract families to your new daycare. Effective marketing helps you stand out and build a strong reputation in your community.

• Online presence:

  • Create a professional website optimized for local searches.

  • Join TrustedCare to reach parents searching for childcare in your area.

  • Secure your Google My Business profile to appear in local searches.

  • Use social media platforms for updates, photos, and testimonials.

  • Develop a logo and color scheme for consistent branding across all marketing.

• Community connections:

  • Attend local events and parenting groups.

  • Partner with businesses, schools, and healthcare providers.

  • Offer open houses and facility tours.

Grants for starting a daycare in Georgia

Daycare grants can significantly reduce startup costs and help you provide higher-quality services. Georgia offers opportunities at federal, state, and private levels, though applications are competitive and time-consuming.

Key funding sources include:

• Federal grants:

  • Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

  • Head Start and Early Head Start programs

  • USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grants

• Georgia state programs:

  • DECAL Community Impact Grants

  • Georgia's Pre-K Program grants

  • DECAL Scholars program for professional development

• Private organizations:

  • The Goizueta Foundation

  • The Zeist Foundation

Ongoing compliance and renewal requirements

Maintaining your daycare license requires consistent attention to regulations and professional development. Understanding these ongoing requirements helps ensure your license stays current and your program maintains high standards.

• Both FCCLH and CCLC licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

• Background checks must be renewed every five years for all adults associated with your child care operation.

Continuing education requirements

All providers must complete 10 hours of annual training related to child care. This ensures you stay current on best practices, safety protocols, and developmental approaches. CCLC Directors must complete additional ongoing professional development as required by DECAL.

Record keeping

Maintain detailed records of children's attendance, health information, emergency contacts, staff qualifications, training certificates, and financial documents. Proper record keeping is essential for licensing compliance and business success.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Starting a daycare business in Georgia comes with unique challenges that every provider faces. Being prepared for these common situations helps you respond effectively and maintain a positive environment for children and families.

• Managing difficult behaviors: It's normal for children to test boundaries! Develop consistent, positive discipline strategies and communicate with parents about approaches that work best for each child.

• Dealing with sick children: Have clear policies about when children should stay home and stick to them. This protects all the children in your care and reduces the spread of illness.

• Balancing business and caregiving: It's easy to focus so much on the children that business tasks get neglected. Set aside specific times for administrative work or consider hiring help as you grow.