Free Online Childcare Training In Georgia - post

Where can I find free online childcare training in Georgia? 🧭

If you work in child care in Georgia, you can find free online training in a few trusted places. Some trainings are fully free. Other trainings may be “free” because a program or scholarship pays the cost.

Here are good places to start:

• Georgia DECAL (Bright from the Start) training information: DECAL explains what training staff must complete and where to find state-approved options.

• Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS): This is where you can search for approved trainings by sponsor and topic.

• DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy: Free online training and resources for owners and administrators (business-focused).

• DECAL SEEDS: Ongoing training and coaching support for early childhood educators (helpful for classroom practice and quality).

Friendly reminder: Only trainings that are “DECAL-approved” (or listed/recognized in GaPDS) will usually count toward required hours.

What training does Georgia DECAL require each year? ✅

In Georgia, most child care staff need training every year to stay in compliance.

DECAL explains that after the first year of employment, staff must complete 10 hours of annual training each year (January–December).

DECAL also says:

• Training should be diverse (not the same topic over and over).

• Some hours must cover key topics like language and literacy and child development/health and safety.

• You should never take online training while supervising children.

For an easy breakdown use this ChildCareEd article:

• https://www.childcareed.com/a/what-training-does-decal-require-each-year-for-georgia-childcare-staff.html

#GeorgiaChildCare #EarlyChildhoodEducation

How do I know if an online training counts in Georgia? 🔎

Before you take any training (even free training), do this quick check:

• Look for DECAL approval or a sponsor listed in GaPDS.

• Make sure the training topic matches what you need (health & safety, literacy, child development, etc.).

• Save your proof:

  • Certificate

  • Course name

  • Date finished

  • Training hours 🗂️

Tip: If your director asks for proof, having your certificate ready saves stress later.

Georgia-approved ChildCareEd courses that match DECAL topics 📚

If you need DECAL-approved online training (and want something simple to follow), ChildCareEd is listed as an approved training sponsor in Georgia (TR-ASO-76), and you can browse the Georgia catalog.

Here are 3 Georgia-approved ChildCareEd courses that match common DECAL health and safety needs:

• 10-hour orientation (great for new staff):
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-10-hour-health-and-safety-orientation-training-4009.html

• Infectious disease prevention (cleaning, illness, germs):
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-prevention-and-control-of-infectious-diseases.html

• Safe sleep / SIDS prevention (important for infant care):
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-prevention-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-and-use-of-safe-sleep-practices.html

These support safer classrooms and help you meet training goals. #ChildSafety

Can I get scholarships in Georgia that pay for childcare training? 💰

Yes—Georgia has strong support for early childhood educators.

DECAL Scholars (big one!) 🎓

DECAL Scholars is Georgia’s education assistance program for early childhood educators. It includes:

• CDA Scholarships (helps pay for the Child Development Associate credential)

• Academic Scholarships (helps pay for credentials or degrees in early childhood education)

• Montessori Scholarships (helps pay for Montessori credential programs)

If cost is the main reason you’re searching for “free training,” DECAL Scholars is a great place to start.

Project SEED Scholars (college-based support) 🌱

Some colleges also offer support for early childhood students, like tuition help and coaching/mentoring through specific programs. One example is Georgia State University’s Project SEED Scholars support page.

Free training + coaching support through DECAL SEEDS 🤝

DECAL SEEDS offers training and coaching to strengthen classroom practice (like relationships, learning support, and strong teaching).

This can feel “free” because it supports your growth without you paying for a course.

How do I get my CDA for free (or close to free)? 🏅

If your goal is the CDA, don’t miss this ChildCareEd resource:

• https://www.childcareed.com/r-00708-how-to-get-your-cda-for-free.html

It shares real ways people reduce the cost (like scholarships and funding support). #CDA

What’s the simplest “free-first” plan for Georgia? ✅

Here’s a simple path many Georgia educators follow:

• Step 1: Check DECAL training rules and your yearly hours goal.

• Step 2: Use GaPDS to find approved trainings (including free options).

• Step 3: Apply for DECAL Scholars if you want CDA/college help.

• Step 4: Fill any missing topics with Georgia-approved online courses (like health & safety, infectious disease, safe sleep).

• Step 5: Save all certificates in one folder (paper or digital). 📁

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for tips and updates 📲

Want quick training tips, reminders, and helpful posts you can use at work?

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/ 📸