Georgia

Permit types

Georgia uses the categories below. Your numbers decide which one applies, and the category sets the fee and the inspection schedule.

Fees

State fees are listed below. Local inspections, fingerprint vendors and tests can add costs that the state does not set.

Forms index

The forms the agency publishes for this path. Links open the official form or the agency’s form page. Confirm the current version with your licensing office before you submit.

Background checks

Georgia requires a comprehensive records check, not only a criminal history search.

• The provider and every employee or resident aged 17 and older must submit a records check application and fingerprints.
• A satisfactory comprehensive records check is required before the person is present with children.
• The check must be no older than 12 months at the license or hire date.
• A new check is required after a break of 180 days or more, on an arrest or charge, at least every five years, and when the department asks.
• Out-of-state child abuse registry and criminal history documents are required for every state lived in during the previous five years.

Training hours

Georgia front-loads 10 hours and then requires 10 hours a year.

• Pre-service: 2 hours in each of five topic areas, minimum 10 hours.
• The five areas are defined in DECAL’s Five Training Areas document, linked in the forms index.
• Infant and child CPR and first aid, in person, before applying.
• Annual: 10 clock hours each calendar year after the first year.
• At least 2 of the annual hours in language and literacy, and at least 2 in child development and health and safety.
• No more than 2 of the annual hours in business topics.

Capacity and ratios

The six-child limit is the core rule. Related children change the headcount in the home but not the unrelated limit.

• No more than 6 unrelated children in the home, for pay or not for pay.
• Up to 2 additional children aged 3 or older for two designated one-hour periods a day, with department approval.
• When related children or children who live in the home are present, the total number of children under 13 may not exceed 12.
• An assistant is required when more than 3 children under 12 months, more than 6 children under 3, or more than 8 children under 5 are present.
• The 35 square foot space requirement applies to every child present, including related children.

Space requirements

Georgia sets an indoor floor area per child and counts every child present.

• At least 35 square feet of usable floor space per child in the areas used for care.
• Basement areas more than 25 linear feet from a window cannot be used for children.
• The home must be clean, free of hazards, and keep exits clear.
• No separate outdoor square-footage number appears in the family child care learning home rules reviewed.

Inspections

There is an on-site inspection before the license. After that, DECAL may inspect during operating hours.

• An on-site inspection after the complete application, against the FCCLH rules.
• The department may inspect the home during operating hours, including unscheduled visits.
• The application itself is consent for access to the premises, staff, children and records.
• No fixed annual inspection frequency is published in the rules reviewed. Annual monitoring can occur.

Renewal and the annual cycle

Georgia licenses run on a calendar year, not on the anniversary of the license date.

• Annual license fee due by 1 December for the following calendar year.
• All current licenses expire on 31 December.
• A late fee of half the license fee applies after 31 December.
• 10 clock hours of annual training each calendar year after the first year.
• Failure to pay the annual fee can result in revocation.

Contacts and complaints

Who to call for the application, a complaint about a home, or a question about the license.