Want to apply for #Georgia child care #grants without the last-minute scramble? Start here. This guide shows you where to find DECAL grant opportunities, what documents to collect, and how to get your program ready before you apply. You’ll also find helpful ChildCareEd resources to keep you organized.
🧭 Georgia DECAL programs
DECAL offers several grant and scholarship options (for example, health and safety funding and CDA/credential support). Start with DECAL’s Health & Safety Grants page and the DECAL Scholars information.
💡 ChildCareEd grant listings
Use ChildCareEd’s grants hub to scan multiple opportunities in one place, including state and national options: List of grants and opportunities
🏛️ Federal and state portals
Use official sites like Childcare.gov and review the CCDBG basics at Child Care and Development Block Grant Act.
🌱 Local foundations and community grants
Look for local foundations and regional funders such as the Zeist Foundation listed at Zeist Foundation Grant. Local grants can be smaller, but often have simpler applications.
💳 ClassWallet-managed grants
DECAL uses ClassWallet to distribute funds for several grants; learn more in DECAL news and the ClassWallet press release: ClassWallet announcement.
Good paperwork makes grant applications faster—and less stressful. Set up one folder (paper or digital) and gather these items ahead of time. #grants
Employee paystubs or proof of hours (if the grant checks eligibility)
Job titles, hire dates, and staff roles
Copies of required background checks and certifications
Current license and capacity details (licensed capacity can affect grant amounts)
Insurance documents
Emergency plans and health & safety policies
Recordkeeping help: Recordkeeping and documentation tips
Training certificates, transcripts, or proof of CDA/credential hours
GaPDS profile number (often needed for DECAL Scholars)
Reference: DECAL Scholars explained
A simple budget or list of planned purchases with estimated prices
Vendor quotes and contact info (some grants require approved vendors)
Photos of the areas you want to improve
Recent inspection notes or maintenance logs (if you have them)
Quick tip: Name your files clearly (example: “License_2026.pdf” or “FireDrillLog_Jan–Mar.pdf”). That one step can save you a lot of time when deadlines are close.
DECAL funding usually falls into two big groups: scholarships for people (staff education) and grants for programs (equipment, safety, quality). Start by matching the opportunity to your goal. #Georgia #grants
Best for: Teachers and assistants who want a CDA, college credits, or approved credentials (sometimes including Montessori).
Often covers: Training cost help, exam fees, renewal support, and some CDA scholarship options.
How to start:
Create or update your GaPDS profile
Follow the steps on the DECAL Scholars pages.
Read more at DECAL Scholars overview and CDA Application Fee Scholarship.
Best for: Licensed centers and family child care homes that need safety upgrades or supplies.
Often covers: Items like gates, sanitation supplies, playground fixes, and safety equipment.
Good to know: Award amounts may vary by licensed capacity, and purchases may need to follow ClassWallet.
Best for: Programs working on classroom quality, coaching, or quality systems.
Often covers: Quality improvement items, coaching supports, or training tied to program improvement.
Tip: Look for DECAL summaries and ClassWallet grant notes.
Directors can make grants and scholarships much easier for staff. A little planning up front can prevent last-minute stress. #Georgia #grants
Help staff create and update their GaPDS profiles early (use the ChildCareEd guide: DECAL Scholars explained).
Give staff a simple checklist of what they’ll need:
paystubs or proof of hours
correct job title and hire date
training certificates and records
Offer a short time block (even 20 minutes) for staff to gather documents.
Many scholarships and grants are first-come, first-served.
Keep a shared calendar with:
open dates
close dates
“submit by” reminders
Aim to apply early, not on the last day.
Use the recordkeeping tips from ChildCareEd so documentation is clear and timely.
Missing proof of employment hours or using the wrong job title
Buying from non-approved vendors when the grant requires approved sellers (like ClassWallet rules)
Waiting until the last day and then rushing documents
Host a quick “how to apply” mini-workshop during a staff meeting
Create a shared digital folder where staff can upload documents anytime
Celebrate progress (even small wins) to keep momentum going
Here are next steps you can use right away (even on a busy day). #Georgia #grants
Start with the right pages: Check DECAL Scholars and the ChildCareEd grants hub first
Gather documents now: license, staff paystubs/proof of hours, training certificates, vendor quotes, and photos (for facility grants).
Set up GaPDS + reminders: Help staff create GaPDS profiles and add deadline reminders to your calendar.
Follow purchasing rules: Use approved vendors and follow ClassWallet rules when required.
Share the work: You don’t have to do it alone—split tasks with your team and use ChildCareEd tools to keep everything organized.
Good luck! A little prep now can help you earn funding for staff development and safer child care spaces.
