Georgia Childcare Licensing Requirements
Georgia childcare centers 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 →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Georgia childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| 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
Georgia mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| 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
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Generate a Georgia-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Georgia childcare parent handbook?
Georgia childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Georgia?
Childcare licensing in Georgia is regulated by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. You can find official licensing information at https://decal.ga.gov/BrightFromTheStart/About.aspx.
What happens if a Georgia childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Georgia parent handbook requirements can result in: Administrative sanctions; fines; license denial, suspension, or revocation under Georgia Code §20-1A-43
How often are Georgia childcare centers inspected?
Georgia childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Annual; unannounced inspections at least twice per year for high-risk facilities