Georgia Childcare Licensing

Georgia Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Georgia childcare licensing is administered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. A licensed Georgia center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual; unannounced inspections at least twice per year for high-risk facilities

Licensing Agency

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Georgia Licensing Requirements: The Specifics

Georgia childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19.

Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19

Georgia childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.16.

Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.16

Georgia childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(4).

Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(4)

Georgia childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(5).

Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(5)

Georgia childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.30.

Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.30

Georgia childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(b).

Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(b)

Georgia Licensing Requirements at a Glance

Hours of Operation	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19
Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.16
Illness and Exclusion Policy	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(4)
Medication Administration Policy	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26(5)
Emergency Procedures	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.30
Arrival and Departure Procedures	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(b)
Nutrition and Meals Policy	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.29
Parent Communication Policy	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(a)
Grievance and Complaint Procedure	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(c)
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting	Georgia Code §19-7-5; DECAL Rules §591-1-1-.16(5)
Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.19(d)
Health and Safety Policies	Georgia Rules for Child Care Learning Centers §591-1-1-.26
Nondiscrimination Policy	Georgia Code §45-19-29; DECAL Rules §591-1-1-.01

Go Deeper

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Georgia Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Georgia?

Childcare licensing in Georgia is regulated by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Official licensing information is published at https://decal.ga.gov/BrightFromTheStart/About.aspx.

How many handbook policy sections does Georgia require?

Georgia requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Georgia inspect licensed childcare centers?

Annual; unannounced inspections at least twice per year for high-risk facilities

What happens if a Georgia center is out of compliance?

Administrative sanctions; fines; license denial, suspension, or revocation under Georgia Code §20-1A-43

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.