What Certifications Do I Need To Open A Daycare In Georgia - post

Starting a daycare in Georgia is a big and exciting goal. But before you open your doors, the state wants to make sure children will be safe and cared for by trained adults. That is why Georgia requires child care licensing and certain training certificates (“certifications”) for owners, directors, and staff. #GeorgiaChildCare #DaycareStartup

Why does Georgia require certifications for daycare programs?

Georgia’s licensing agency is Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). DECAL’s job is to protect children and support quality care. To do that, DECAL requires training so you know how to handle things like:

• Safe supervision

• Emergency plans

• Clean and healthy spaces

• Child development basics

• Reporting concerns (like suspected abuse)

DECAL licenses two main types of programs: Child Care Learning Centers (CCLC) and Family Child Care Learning Homes (FCCLH).

Do I need different certifications for a home daycare vs. a child care center?

Yes. Georgia has different training requirements depending on what you open:

• FCCLH (home daycare): You care for children in your home.

• CCLC (center): You run a program in a center building with staff.

DECAL also expects most programs to complete a Licensing Orientation Meeting (LOM) before applying, and you’ll use DECAL systems (like KOALA and GaPDS) during the process.

If you’re planning a home program, this ChildCareEd resource is a helpful place to start:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00721-annual-ongoing-training-hours.html

What is the #1 certification most Georgia staff need first?

For many Georgia programs, the first “big” training is the 10-hour Health & Safety Orientation.

DECAL says all CCLC and FCCLH staff who have direct care responsibilities must complete at least 10 state-approved hours of Health and Safety Orientation training within the first 90 days of employment.
This training covers key safety topics like emergency plans, handwashing, safe sleep/SUID risk reduction, medicine administration, and more.

ChildCareEd course (Georgia-approved and directly related):
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-10-hour-health-and-safety-orientation-training-4009.html

#ChildCareTraining

If I open a child care center (CCLC), what certifications do I need?

If you want to open a Child Care Learning Center, DECAL requires important documents for the licensing application. One key certification is for the director.

CCLC Director training (required):

• DECAL’s CCLC licensing packet says you must submit a certificate of completion of a DECAL-approved 40-hour Director’s training course for the director responsible for the day-to-day operation.

ChildCareEd course (required and directly related):
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-40-hour-director-s-course.html

CPR/First Aid certification (required):

• DECAL rules require the Center Director to complete CPR training (every 2 years) and First Aid training (every 3 years).

• Your center must also make sure someone with current CPR/First Aid is present with children (DECAL outlines staffing requirements in its CPR/First Aid guidance).

Background checks (required):

• DECAL’s CCLC licensing guide lists satisfactory comprehensive criminal record checks for staff as part of the licensing process.

Other common “proof items” (often needed for centers):
The CCLC licensing packet also talks about items like zoning approval, fire/building approvals, and more.
These are not “certifications,” but they are steps you should plan for early.

If I open a home daycare (FCCLH), what certifications do I need?

For a Family Child Care Learning Home, DECAL is very clear about pre-service training.

DECAL’s FCCLH FAQ says 10 hours of preservice training are required before you submit an application. It also explains those hours must include training across required areas.

DECAL also says you must submit:

• Your FCCLH Licensing Orientation Meeting (LOM) certificate, and

• Current First Aid and CPR cards/certificates

ChildCareEd course (directly related to FCCLH preservice):
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-fcclh-pre-service-course.html

#HomeDaycare #GeorgiaDaycare

How do I get these certifications and apply for a license?

Here is a simple step-by-step path many providers follow:

• Step 1: Choose your program type

  • FCCLH (home) or CCLC (center)

• Step 2: Attend Licensing Orientation (LOM)

  • FCCLH and CCLC both use orientation as part of the pre-licensing process.

• Step 3: Complete required training

  • For staff: 10-hour Health & Safety Orientation (within 90 days of hire).

  • For FCCLH applicants: 10-hour preservice (before applying).

  • For CCLC directors: 40-hour Director’s Course (before licensure).

• Step 4: Complete CPR/First Aid and background checks

  • Keep cards current and meet renewal timelines.

  • Complete required DECAL criminal record checks.

• Step 5: Apply using DECAL systems

  • For centers, DECAL’s CCLC guide explains the licensing application is completed online using the owner’s DECAL KOALA account.

  • For training records, Georgia uses GaPDS for approved training and documentation.

After I’m licensed, what are the next steps?

Getting licensed is a huge milestone—but it’s also the start of running a strong program.

1) Keep up with annual training
DECAL requires 10 hours of annual training for many child care roles, based on the licensing rules.
DECAL also publishes guidance about how annual training years are tracked and reviewed during licensing visits.

ChildCareEd resource on ongoing training hours (bookmark this):
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00721-annual-ongoing-training-hours.html

2) Track staff training in GaPDS
Good records help you stay ready for monitoring visits and renewals. This ChildCareEd article shows how to track staff training in GaPDS:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/how-can-i-track-my-staff-s-training-in-gapds-as-a-provider.html

3) Build your “ready for anything” plan
Even when you already finished Health & Safety training, you should keep practicing:

• Emergency drills

• Safe sleep routines

• Playground checks

• Illness and sanitation routines

Want more Georgia child care tips and updates?

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