Who needs a child care learning center license in Georgia?

Issued by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in Georgia

Attend the licensing orientation, then file the application with the zoning approval, fire marshal inspection, floor plan, the director’s credentials and background checks for every staff member. Lawful presence must be verified before the license issues. Expect an initial licensing study visit before the final license.

Draft. This row was drafted from the agency’s own page and has not yet been confirmed against it. Confirm it with the agency before you pay anything.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start).

Sources and dates

DECAL license fee information page; Applicant’s Guide to Licensing for Child Care Learning Centers (revised May 2025). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.