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How To Get Your Georgia Child Care License In 2022

First and foremost, congrats on this great stage in your license path! We understand how perplexing state websites can be. This guide should help to clarify some of the criteria.

  1. Keep this guide close and check things off as you go ✅ 
  2. Make use of our library of resources for additional support

Join Wonderschool for additional community support

Step 1: Attend a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) Licensing Orientation Meeting (FCCLH – LOM) class 

  • View schedule of trainings here
  • Look for trainings related to FCCLH Pre-Service Course
  • Register to attend training using the Georgia Professional Development System (Ga PDS)
    • New Users will need to create an account and log in.
    • When asked what do you want to do in registration, click, “I want to create and manage my Georgia Professional Development System Account.”
    • Click “Find Trainings.” Type “Licensure” in the space for Location Name to see dates and locations available. Follow instructions shown on screen to register for the class chosen. 

Step 2: Obtain 10 hours of pre-service training that has been approved by the Department

 

Note:

  • You can choose any combination of the workforce knowledge competencies listed within each of the five topic areas listed here.
  • The website allows you to search in a variety of ways, including by keywords, date, trainer name, and competency goals using Workforce Knowledge and Competencies (i.e. ECE3.1), as well as by format, location/training region, topic area, and level. 

Step 3: Obtain CPR & First Aid for Infants and Children certification

  • Class must be conducted by a licensed healthcare professional

Search your local Red Cross or local community colleges for options

tep 4: Obtain or show documentation for one of the following credentials

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition and renewed upon expiration, https://www.cdacouncil.org
  • Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Childhood Education available through Technical College Systems of Georgia, https://tcsg.edu/find-a-college/programs/
  • Technical College Diploma (TCD) in Early Childhood Education available through Technical College Systems of Georgia, https://tcsg.edu/find-a-college/programs/
  • Paraprofessional Certificate (issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission), valid only to expiration date. When expired, this credential is not renewable unless employed by a local school system.

Note: If you don’t already hold one of the above certifications, you may request a variance submitted with your application to enroll in a program to obtain one of the credentials within six months of licensure and complete within two years. Assistance may be available at DECALScholars.com. CDA Credentials require around 120 hours of training, and 480 hours of work experience with children in a center or child care setting.

Step 5: Collect documentation needed to complete your application

  • Review Applicant’s Guide to Licensing for FCCLH
  • Read the Rules and Regulations for Family Child Care Learning Homes (beginning on page 60 of the above guide)
  • Answer all questions listed on the “Rules Checklist” on between pages 21 and 35. This form must be completed, signed, and submitted with your application.
  • Contact your local fire marshall to determine if there are local ordinances that apply to operating a Family Child Care Learning Home in your area. 
  • Obtain a letter from the local zoning department indicating your residence is zoned for a Family Child Care, or a letter stating there are no zoning regulations. 
  • Obtain a valid business license with the facility address or a letter stating a business license is not required/or will be issued upon completion of the Bright from the Start licensing process. 
  • Complete fingerprinting process through Gemalto/Livescan. These record checks must be maintained in the home. 
  • If you DO NOT own the residence, submit a copy of a current lease agreement that states you are allowed to operate a family child care in the residence.  
  • Indicate the source of water supply: County/City. Please submit a copy of the water/sewage bill for address of Family Child Care Learning Home. If septic tank is used, please submit written approval from the local county health department officials. 

Step 6: Submit your application!

  • Complete your application which begins on page 10 of the above Applicants Guide to Licensing for FCCLH 
  • Enclose all applicable items listed above in an envelope and mail to: 

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 

Attention: Applicant Services Unit 

2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, 670 East Tower 

Atlanta, GA 30334

  • Do not submit any payment with your application. The non-refundable $50 license fee will not be accepted until permission to operate (PTO) is granted during the initial licensing visit. At that time, payment can be made at www.decalkoala.com after you have created an account. 

Step 7: Complete initial licensing visit

  • Complete licensing inspection

Step 8: Success!

Pat yourself on the back, take a deep breath, and get some rest-- the real work is just beginning!

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