Meet the education credential
Complete the 40-Hour Director's Course
Director Qualifications in Georgia and How ChildCareEd Can Help
To serve as a Director of a licensed Georgia Child Care Learning Center, you must meet the qualifications set by Bright from the Start (DECAL). The role requires a combination of age, education, and a state-approved director training course.
The core requirements for a CCLC Director:
- Be at least 21 years old in many tracks, and hold the required education — for example, a CDA credential or higher, or a related degree.
- Complete a Bright from the Start-approved 40-hour director course before initial licensure for many Child Care Learning Centers.
- Complete criminal background checks and fingerprinting before working in care.
- Maintain current pediatric CPR and first aid certification.
In short, a Director must first meet the Lead Teacher education credential (such as a CDA or a related degree), then add the 40-hour director training that prepares them for the administrative and leadership side of running a center.
How ChildCareEd helps you get there:
ChildCareEd is a DECAL-approved Training Sponsor Organization (GaPDS code TR-ASO-76) and offers the state-approved training you need at both stages of director qualification:
1. Meet the education credential — through ChildCareEd's DECAL-approved CDA programs:
2. Complete the 40-Hour Director's Course — ChildCareEd's Bright from the Start–approved course:
This course helps meet Standard 1 director qualifications in Quality Rated, and the 40-hour course counts toward Quality Rated points. It's fully online and self-paced, covering program management, staff leadership, health and safety, and the business side of operating a licensed center.
Because ChildCareEd is DECAL-approved, your completed hours upload directly to your GaPDS record — and your CDA training may be eligible for funding through the DECAL Scholars Program, which ChildCareEd participates in.
