Teacher/Provider: Daycare providers have to be at least 21 years old in Georgia. They also must have a high school diploma or a GED. Home daycare providers and their employees must also pass a fingerprint check and a preliminary records check to make sure that there is no history of criminal behavior. The provider must have no physical or mental disabilities that would impair her ability to care for the children. 

Starting a Child Care Program - A guide to information you need about Family Child Care Learning Homes and Child Care Learning Centers.

Summary: Learn the tasks and steps involved in starting a child care program: a Child Care Learning Center or Family Child Care Learning Home. Find the answers to common questions and concerns applicants have when opening a child care business, including employees and background checks.

Applies to: Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Learning Homes, Training, Rules and Regulations, Criminal Records Check, Livescan
Obtaining an Application and Training Requirements

A Family Child Care Learning Home is a program that operates in a private residential home for less than 24 hours per day. It provides care for three children, but no more than six, under the age of 18 for pay.

A Child Care Learning Center is a program operated by a person, society, agency, corporation, institution, or group that receives pay for group care. It provides care for 19 or more children under the age of 18 for less than 24 hours per day.

All applicants must obtain the applicable licensing packet for the type of child care program they are planning by downloading the applicable packet in the paragraphs below.

To apply to become a Family Child Care Learning Home

When applying for a Family Child Care Learning Home License, the applicant should refer to the Family Child Care Learning Home Applicant Guide and follow the Steps for Successful Family Child Care

Training Requirements

Family Child Care Learning Home Providers have been required to obtain 20 hours of pre-service training prior to receiving a certificate of license. New Family Child Care Learning Home providers and existing Family Child Care Learning Home providers are required to obtain 10 hours of training relating to the care of children on an annual basis. If you are interested in opening a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH), you must attend a License Orientation Meeting (LOM) class prior to submitting an application for license. LOM is required for all FCCLH applicants that are not currently licensed.

Before obtaining an initial license, the director of a Child Care Learning Center must complete a Bright from the Start approved 40-hour director training course. To maintain their license, Child Care Learning Center Home staff must obtain 10 hours of training relating to the care of children on an annual basis.

Family Child Care Learning Home Five Training Areas

Child Care Learning Center staff are required to obtain 10 hours of training relating to the care of children on an annual basis. If you are interested in opening a Child Care Learning Center (CCLC), you must attend a Licensure Orientation Meeting (LOM) class prior to submitting an application for license.

For more information about training, please see the chart below that explains the different types of training requirements. Additionally, to locate state approved training opportunities throughout the state of Georgia, please visit the Georgia Professional Development System or the Georgia Training Approval websites.

For more specific information on required training or for questions about LOM, please contact DECAL's Child Care Services Division at 404.657.5562 and ask for the "Consultant of the Day".

To report suspected child abuse in Georgia, call Child Protective Services (404) 651-9361.

For national child abuse information, call Childhelp®, 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453).