How to Start a Daycare in Georgia (2026)

Last updated: August 9, 2026

Starting a daycare in Georgia requires state licensing through the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), the agency that oversees all child care operations in the state. Unlike most Georgia businesses that only need a local license, daycare operators must complete an orientation program, pass background checks through DECAL’s Background and Fingerprinting (BFTS) unit, meet staff-to-child ratio requirements, and pass a facility inspection before caring for their first child.

This guide covers every requirement, cost, and step to legally start and operate a daycare in Georgia, whether you’re opening a small family child care home or a full child care learning center.

Daycare Requirements in Georgia at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
CCLC License (Child Care Learning Center, 7+ children)	GA Dept. of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)	$50-$250/year (tiered by capacity)	Minimum 60 days processing
FCCLH License (Family Child Care Learning Home, 3-6 children)	GA Dept. of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)	$50/year	4-8 weeks
LLC Formation (Articles of Organization)	GA Secretary of State	$100 (online)	1-3 business days
Federal EIN	IRS	Free	Immediate (online)
Background Check (BFTS Fingerprinting)	DECAL BFTS via IdentoGO	Currently paid by DECAL for child care employees	2-4 weeks
Child Care Learning Center Licensing Orientation	DECAL	Free	Certificate valid 24 months
Director Pre-Service Training	DECAL-approved provider	$100-$300	20 hrs pre-service + 40-hr Director Training + 10-hr Health/Safety
CPR / First Aid Certification (Pediatric)	Certified training provider	$40-$80/person	Within 45 days of employment
General Liability Insurance	Commercial insurer	$400-$4,000/year	Same day
Fire Inspection	Local Fire Marshal	Varies by county	1-4 weeks
Zoning Approval	County/City Zoning Dept.	Varies (must be dated within 12 months)	1-4 weeks
Local Business License	County/City Clerk	$25-$200	1-2 weeks
Workers’ Comp Insurance (3+ employees)	Commercial insurer	Varies	Same day

How to Start a Daycare in Georgia (Step by Step)

Step 1: Choose Your Daycare Type

Georgia’s DECAL recognizes two main categories of licensed child care operations:

• Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH): Cares for 3-6 children in the operator’s own residence. License fee: $50/year. This is the lowest-cost entry point for new daycare operators in Georgia.
• Child Care Learning Center (CCLC): Cares for 7 or more children, typically in a commercial or dedicated facility. License fee: $50-$250/year, tiered by capacity. This is the standard license for center-based daycare operations.

Your choice determines your licensing path, facility requirements, staffing obligations, and startup costs. Family child care learning homes have the lowest barrier to entry, while child care learning centers require significantly more capital but offer greater capacity and revenue potential.

Note: Caring for fewer than 3 unrelated children in your home does not require a DECAL license. However, once you reach 3 or more unrelated children, you must be licensed.

Step 2: Form Your Georgia LLC

File your Articles of Organization online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division. Total cost: $100 when filed online. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days.

Your LLC name must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from existing entities on file with the Georgia Secretary of State. You’ll need a Georgia Registered Agent with a physical street address in the state.

If you want to operate under a different name (e.g., “Peachtree Kids Academy” instead of “Peachtree Kids Academy LLC”), file a Trade Name Registration with your county’s Superior Court Clerk.

Step 3: Get Your Federal EIN

Apply for a free Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You’ll receive it immediately when applying online. You need this to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.

Step 4: Complete the DECAL Licensing Orientation

Before applying for your license, you must complete DECAL’s Child Care Learning Center Licensing Orientation. This orientation covers Georgia’s licensing rules, safety requirements, and what to expect during the application process.

• Cost: Free
• Certificate validity: 24 months from completion date
• Required before: Submitting your KOALA application

Important: Your orientation certificate must still be valid (within 24 months) when you submit your application. Do not complete this step too early if your facility preparation will take an extended period.

Step 5: Complete Background Checks

Georgia requires comprehensive background checks for all child care personnel through DECAL’s Background and Fingerprinting (BFTS) unit.

• Who must be screened: All owners, directors, employees, volunteers, and household members (for home-based operations)
• Fingerprinting: Conducted through IdentoGO appointment locations
• Databases checked: GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) and FBI criminal records
• Cost: DECAL currently pays the fingerprinting cost for child care employees
• Rescreening: Required every 5 years
• Disqualifying offenses: Certain criminal convictions permanently disqualify individuals from working in child care

Important: Background check clearance must be obtained before an individual has unsupervised access to children. Do not delay this step – processing can take 2-4 weeks.

Step 6: Complete Required Training

Director Training Requirements

Directors of Georgia child care programs must meet specific educational qualifications and training requirements:

• Minimum qualification: One of the following: CDA (Child Development Associate), TCC (Technical Certificate of Credit), TCD (Technical College Diploma), AA in Early Childhood Education, or Paraprofessional Certificate
• Pre-service training: 20 hours before assuming director duties
• 40-Hour Director Training: DECAL-specific director training course
• Health and Safety training: 10 hours
• Cost: $100-$300 total (through DECAL-approved providers)

CPR / First Aid Certification

Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification is required for all child care personnel.

• Cost: ~$40-$80 per person
• Deadline: Must be obtained within 45 days of employment
• Must be pediatric-specific – adult-only certifications do not qualify
• Renewal: Typically every 2 years, depending on certifying organization

Annual Continuing Education

After completing initial training, all child care personnel must complete 10 clock hours of continuing education annually to maintain their credentials.

Step 7: Obtain Zoning Approval

Before submitting your KOALA application, you must obtain written zoning approval from your local county or city zoning department confirming your location is approved for child care use.

• Validity: The zoning approval letter must be dated within 12 months of your application submission
• Home-based operators: Check your county’s home occupation ordinances – some jurisdictions have specific rules for home-based child care, including parking, signage, and traffic restrictions
• Center-based operators: Confirm commercial zoning compatibility and any conditional use permit requirements

Step 8: Prepare Your Facility

Georgia has specific space and safety requirements for child care facilities. Ensure your location meets these standards before applying for your DECAL license:

Space Requirements

• Indoor space: Minimum 35 square feet per child of usable floor space
• Outdoor play area: Must be fenced and age-appropriate
• Floor plan: Required as part of your KOALA application (Part A)

Safety and Equipment

• Age-appropriate furniture and equipment
• Fenced outdoor play area with impact-absorbing surfacing
• Working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
• Childproofing (outlet covers, cabinet locks, safety gates as needed)
• Safe sleep environments for infants (if serving children under 1)
• Secure storage for cleaning supplies, medications, and hazardous materials
• Separate diapering and food preparation areas

Step 9: Submit Your KOALA Application (Part A and Part B)

Georgia uses the KOALA online portal for all child care license applications. The application is submitted in two parts:

Part A

• Floor plan of the facility
• Zoning approval letter (dated within 12 months)
• Licensing Orientation certificate (valid within 24 months)
• Basic owner and facility information

Part B

• Background check clearance documentation
• Training certificates and director qualifications
• Proof of liability insurance
• Fire inspection report
• Additional facility and operational documentation

Processing time: CCLC applications take a minimum of 60 days to process after all documentation is submitted. Start your background checks, training, and facility preparation early to avoid delays.

Step 10: Pass Inspections, Get Insurance, and Open

Inspections

Before your DECAL license is issued, your facility must pass several inspections:

• Fire inspection: Contact your local Fire Marshal to schedule. Required before license issuance.
• DECAL inspection: A DECAL licensing consultant will inspect your facility for compliance with all child care regulations.
• Health inspection: May be required depending on your county and whether you prepare and serve meals on site.

General Liability Insurance

• Home-based daycare: $400-$1,500/year
• Center-based daycare: $1,100-$4,000/year
• Important: Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover business activities – you need a separate commercial policy or a specific child care endorsement

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Required in Georgia for businesses with 3 or more employees.

License Renewal

Your DECAL license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually by December 1. Renewal requires continued compliance with all DECAL standards, updated background checks, and current training records.

Georgia Daycare Staff-to-Child Ratios

Georgia mandates strict staff-to-child ratios based on the age of children in care. These ratios must be maintained at all times, including during outdoor play, field trips, and transitions:

Age Group	Staff-to-Child Ratio	Maximum Group Size
Infants (birth – 1 year)	1:6	12
1-year-olds	1:8	16
2-year-olds	1:10	20
3-year-olds	1:15	30
4-year-olds	1:18	36
5-year-olds and older	1:20	40

Mixed age groups: When children of different ages are in the same group, the ratio for the youngest child in the group applies.

Note: Georgia’s ratios are less restrictive than some neighboring states (Florida requires 1:4 for infants, for example), but the maximum group size limits add an important layer of regulation that controls overall classroom density.

Child Immunization Requirements

Georgia law requires that every child enrolled in a daycare have a current Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) on file. This form is issued by the child’s physician or local county health department and must document all required vaccinations for the child’s age group.

Children must have an up-to-date Form 3231 before starting attendance. The form must be kept in the child’s file and available for DECAL inspection at any time.

Quality Rated: Georgia’s TQRIS Program

Georgia’s Quality Rated program is a voluntary Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS) administered by DECAL. Programs that participate receive a rating of 1, 2, or 3 stars based on the quality of their learning environment, teacher-child interactions, and program administration.

• Voluntary: Participation is not required for licensing
• Required for CAPS funding: To receive Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) subsidy payments, your program must be Quality Rated
• Marketing advantage: Quality Rated status is publicly listed and helps parents identify high-quality programs
• Technical assistance: DECAL provides free support and resources to help programs achieve and improve their star rating

If you plan to accept families using CAPS subsidies (Georgia’s child care assistance program), enrolling in Quality Rated early is essential for your revenue model.

Cost to Start a Daycare in Georgia

Home-Based Family Child Care Learning Home (3-6 Children)

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC Formation (Secretary of State)	$100	One-time, online filing
Trade Name Registration (DBA)	$0-$50	Optional, filed with county
Federal EIN	Free	Online at IRS.gov
DECAL License (FCCLH)	$50/year	Annual renewal by Dec 1
Background Check (BFTS)	Free	DECAL currently pays for child care employees
Training (Director/Staff)	$100-$300	Pre-service + Director Training + Health/Safety
CPR / First Aid Certification	$40-$80	Pediatric, within 45 days of hire
Local Business License	$25-$200	Varies by county/city
General Liability Insurance	$400-$1,500/year	Child care-specific policy
Facility Prep (childproofing, equipment, supplies)	$1,500-$10,000	Varies widely
Marketing / Website / Signage	$200-$1,000	Optional at start
Estimated total: $3,000-$15,000

Small Center-Based Child Care Learning Center (15-40 Children)

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC Formation + EIN	$100	One-time
Trade Name Registration (DBA)	$0-$50	Optional
DECAL License (CCLC)	$50-$250/year	Tiered by capacity
Background Checks (all staff via BFTS)	Free	DECAL currently covers cost
Training (Director + all staff)	$500-$2,000	Per staff member costs vary
CPR / First Aid (all staff)	$200-$640+	$40-$80/person, 5-8 staff
Local Business License	$50-$200	Annual
Zoning Approval	$50-$500	Varies by jurisdiction
General Liability Insurance	$1,100-$4,000/year	Child care-specific policy
Workers’ Comp Insurance	Varies	Required at 3+ employees
Lease Deposit + Build-Out	$10,000-$50,000	Location dependent
Furniture, Equipment & Supplies	$5,000-$25,000	Cribs, tables, play equipment, etc.
Outdoor Play Area (fencing, surfacing, equipment)	$3,000-$15,000	Fenced, age-appropriate required
Marketing / Website / Signage	$500-$3,000	Professional presence
Estimated total: $50,000-$150,000 (small center), $100,000-$200,000 (medium), $250,000+ (large)

Key Georgia Agencies for Daycare Operators

Agency	Role	Contact
DECAL	Licensing, Quality Rated, CAPS subsidies	888-442-7735
GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation)	Background check database	Via DECAL BFTS
DPH (Dept. of Public Health)	Immunization records, health inspections	Local county health department
Local Fire Marshal	Fire safety inspection	County fire department
Local Zoning Department	Zoning approval for child care use	County/city planning office

Related Georgia Business Guides

• Starting a Business in Georgia: Complete Guide

← Back to all Georgia business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need to open a daycare in Georgia?

You need a license from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). There are two types: a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) license ($50/year) for 3-6 children in your residence, or a Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) license ($50-$250/year, tiered by capacity) for 7 or more children. Apply through the KOALA online portal at decal.ga.gov.

What are Georgia’s daycare staff-to-child ratios?

Georgia’s required ratios by age group are: Infants: 1:6 (max group 12), 1-year-olds: 1:8 (max 16), 2-year-olds: 1:10 (max 20), 3-year-olds: 1:15 (max 30), 4-year-olds: 1:18 (max 36), and 5+ years: 1:20 (max 40). For mixed age groups, the ratio for the youngest child in the group applies. These ratios must be maintained at all times.

Do I need a background check to run a daycare in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia requires comprehensive background checks through DECAL’s BFTS (Background and Fingerprinting) unit for all child care personnel. Fingerprinting is done through IdentoGO and checked against GBI and FBI databases. DECAL currently pays the fingerprinting cost for child care employees. Background checks must be renewed every 5 years.

How long does it take to get a daycare license in Georgia?

A CCLC license application takes a minimum of 60 days to process after all documentation is submitted through the KOALA portal. However, the total timeline from initial planning to license issuance is typically 3-6 months when you factor in completing the orientation, background checks, training, facility preparation, and inspections.

How much does it cost to start a daycare in Georgia?

A home-based family child care learning home (3-6 children) typically costs $3,000-$15,000 to start, including licensing, training, insurance, and basic facility preparation. A small center-based child care learning center typically costs $50,000-$150,000, a medium center $100,000-$200,000, and a large center $250,000 or more.

What is Quality Rated and do I need it?

Quality Rated is Georgia’s voluntary Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS), administered by DECAL. Programs receive a rating of 1, 2, or 3 stars. While participation is voluntary for licensing, it is required if you want to accept CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) subsidy payments. It also serves as a strong marketing advantage, as Quality Rated status is publicly listed for parents searching for child care.