Childcare Licensing Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
If you are opening or operating a childcare center in Atlanta, Georgia, you must comply with Georgia's licensing requirements administered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. As Georgia's largest city with a population of 500K, Atlanta has a substantial childcare market with many families relying on licensed centers.
Georgia childcare centers in Atlanta must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19.
Licensing Agency
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning →Full State Page
See complete Georgia licensing requirements →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections for Atlanta Childcare Centers
The following sections must appear in every Georgia childcare parent handbook. These requirements apply to all licensed centers in Atlanta.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.16 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(4) | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(5) | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.30 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(b) | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.29 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(a) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(c) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Georgia Code §19-7-5; DECAL Rules §591-1-1-.16(5) | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(d) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Georgia Code §45-19-29; DECAL Rules §591-1-1-.01 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.31 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.32 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios in Atlanta
Georgia mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group. Every licensed childcare center in Atlanta must meet these minimums at all times.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:6 |
| Toddler (12-18 months) | 1:6 |
| Toddler (18-36 months) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:15 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:18 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcal
Background Check Requirements
- GBI fingerprint background check
- FBI background check
- GCIC records check
Inspection Frequency
Annual; unannounced inspections at least twice per year for high-risk facilities
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Administrative sanctions; fines; license denial, suspension, or revocation under Georgia Code §20-1A-43
Local Childcare Resources in Atlanta
In addition to state licensing requirements, Atlanta childcare operators can access support through local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies. Contact your local CCR&R for Atlanta-specific assistance with licensing applications, training, and family subsidy programs. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning also maintains regional offices that serve the Atlanta area.
For official Georgia licensing information visit: https://decal.ga.gov/BrightFromTheStart/About.aspx
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Generate a Georgia-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Atlanta?
Childcare centers in Atlanta must comply with Georgia state licensing requirements enforced by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. This includes maintaining a compliant parent handbook with 13 required sections, meeting staff-to-child ratios by age group, ensuring all enrolled children have up-to-date immunizations, and completing background checks for all staff and volunteers.
How many staff do I need for a daycare in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, Georgia mandates specific staff-to-child ratios by age group: Infant (0-12 months) requires a ratio of 1:6; Toddler (12-18 months) requires a ratio of 1:6; Toddler (18-36 months) requires a ratio of 1:8; Preschool (3 years) requires a ratio of 1:15; Preschool (4-5 years) requires a ratio of 1:18. These ratios are set by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and apply to all licensed childcare centers in Atlanta.
What immunizations are required for childcare in Atlanta?
Children enrolled in Atlanta childcare centers must have documentation of the following immunizations per Georgia state requirements: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hib, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Pneumococcal. These records must be on file at the childcare facility.