Georgia Childcare Licensing
Georgia Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Georgia, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. A person may care for no more than two unrelated children under 13 in a private residence without a license; caring for at least three but not more than six unrelated children under 13 requires a Family Child Care Learning Home license, and caring for more than six children requires a Child Care Learning Center license (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-3-.03(k) and 290-2-3-.04(1)(c)-(d)).
Licensing Agency
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamGeorgia License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
A person may care for no more than two unrelated children under 13 in a private residence without a license
Ga
caring for at least three but not more than six unrelated children under 13 requires a Family Child Care Learning Home license, and caring for more than six children requires a Child Care Learning Center license (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-3-.03(k) and 290-2-3-.04(1)(c)-(d)).
Ga
A Family Child Care Learning Home may care for at least three but no more than six unrelated children under 13 (plus up to two additional children age 3 or older for two designated one-hour periods daily with Department approval)
plus up to two additional children age 3 or older for two designated one-hour periods daily with Department approval
when related children or children residing in the home are also present, the total number of children present under 13 may not exceed twelve
Ga
an employee (at least 16) is required whenever more than three children under 12 months, more than six under 3 years, or more than eight under 5 years are present (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-3-.03(k), 290-2-3-.07(16)-(17), and 290-2-3-.07(19)).
Ga
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Georgia License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Georgia without a license?
A person may care for no more than two unrelated children under 13 in a private residence without a license; caring for at least three but not more than six unrelated children under 13 requires a Family Child Care Learning Home license, and caring for more than six children requires a Child Care Learning Center license (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-3-.03(k) and 290-2-3-.04(1)(c)-(d)).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Georgia?
Operating above the Georgia exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Georgia offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Georgia offers a voluntary registry with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
Georgia childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Georgia administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.