Daycare License Requirements for Georgia
Worker requirements
Must be at least 18 and have HS diploma or GED or 1 year experience.
Provider / Child Ratio
| Age Range | Ratio For Daycare Centers |
| 6 weeks | (1:6) Maximum Group Size 12 |
| 9 months | (1:6) Maximum Group Size 12 |
| 18 months | (1:8) Maximum Group Size 16 |
| 27 months | (1:10) Maximum Group Size 20 |
| 3 years | (1:15) Maximum Group Size 30 |
| 4 years | (1:18) Maximum Group Size 36 |
| 5 years | (1:20) Maximum Group Size 40 |
| 6 years | (1:25) Maximum Group Size 50 |
| 7 years | (1:25) Maximum Group Size 50 |
| 8-9 years | (1:25) Maximum Group Size 50 |
| 10 years or older | (1:25) Maximum Group Size 50 |
| Ratio For Family Child Care | |
| Number of Children Allowed: | 3-6 (up to 12 under13-yrs, if 6 are related toprovider, residents, orchildren for whom no
compensation is received)
|
| Maximum Number of Children to One Provider: | 3 under 1-yr;6 under 3-yrs;8 under 5-yrs; |
| Provider’s Own Children Counted: | Yes |
| Maximum Number of Infants/Toddlers to One Provider: | 3 under 1-yr |
| Large Family Child Care Homes | |
| Number of Children Allowed: | 7-18 |
| Ratio of Children to One Provider: | 6:1 for under 1 yr and under 18-mos and not walking8:1 for 1-yr-olds who walk10:1 for 2-yrs15:1 for 3-yrs
18:1 for 4-yrs + |
| Provider’s Own Children Counted: | NA |
| *Georgia: In large (“group”) homes mixed age ratios are determined by the age of youngest child under 3; ratios in groups with children over 3 years of age are determined by the age of the majority of children. | |
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
10 Park Place South, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-651-7182
Fax: 404-657-8936
Hotline: 888-4GA-PREK
Web site: http://www.decal.state.ga.us/
Rules for family day care homes:
Rules for group day care homes:
Rules for child care learning centers:
http://www.decal.state.ga.us/Documents/Child%20Care%20Services/CCS%20Rule%20Book.pdf
Learn more about How To Start A Daycare
