Licensing

As of October 1, 2004, Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is the licensing authority for all child care providers in Georgia. To learn more, visit their website http://www.decal.state.ga.us/or click the department link on the menu to the left.

Licensed Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes
A licensed child care center is defined as a business entity providing child care for 19 or more children in a commercially zoned location.

A licensed Group Day Care Home is defined as a business entity providing child care for 7 to 18 children in a commercially zoned location.

Rules and Regulations for Licensed Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers (PDF)
Applications are available through Child Care Resource and Referral Agency of West Georgia at Columbus if your planned facility is located in Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Stewart, or Talbot County. The application packet is free and can be obtained by contacting Cindy Fick at 706-569-3109 or 800-650-2102 or via e-mail at fick_cindy@colstate.edu .

You may also mail a request for the application and your contact information (name, address, telephone number, and county of residence) to:

Child Care Resource & Referral Agency of W. GA at Columbus
ATTN: Cindy Fick
4225 University Avenue, JH218
Columbus, GA 31907-5645

Non-Profit Child Care Project -- Child care centers affiliated with a church or other non-profit are eligible for consultation. Your point of contact will be Colley Case of Quality Care for Children at 404-479-4182 or 800-204-9886.

Registered Family Child Care Homes
Rules and Regulations for Family Day Care Homes (PDF)
If you wish to become a Registered Family Child Care Provider and reside in Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Marion, Muscogee (but not in military housing), Quitman, Stewart, or Talbot County, you must:

1) Be willing to provide a smoke-free, safe, and clean environment for children in your care
2) Be at least 21 years of age
3) Have a clear criminal background check for yourself and all adult residents of your home
4) Provide proof of a high school diploma or GED
5) Provide proof of current CPR/First Aid Certification
6) Provide a Certificate of Attendance from a Registration Orientation Meeting (ROM) - a free training offered monthly by our agency.

Please contact Cindy Fick at 706-569-3109 or 800-650-2102 or via e-mail at fick_cindy@colstate.edufor upcoming ROM training dates. Your will receive your registration packet and additional information on becoming a Registered Family Child Care Provider at the training.