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Licensed Daycare in Georgia

Search 4,225 verified daycare and childcare centers across Georgia, sourced directly from Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

4,225
Licensed Centers
$920/mo
Avg Infant Care
$720/mo
Avg Preschool
1:6
Infant Ratio

Georgia Childcare Licensing

In Georgia, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:6 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:15 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
Infant ratio
1:6
Toddler ratio
1:8
Preschool ratio
1:15
Avg infant cost
$920/mo
Avg preschool cost
$720/mo
Financial help

Georgia Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Georgia families can apply for Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (404) 657-3434

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Daycare in Georgia — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Georgia is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://families.decal.ga.gov/ChildCare/Search.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Georgia?
State minimums in Georgia are roughly 1:6 infants, 1:8 toddlers, and 1:15 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Georgia?
Full-time infant care averages about $920/month; preschool runs around $720/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Georgia trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Georgia?
Yes. The primary state program is Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS), reachable at (404) 657-3434. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Georgia daycare?
File a complaint with the Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 4,225 Licensed Georgia Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.