Georgia ChildcareLicensing Requirements
Stay compliant with Georgia DECAL Rules and Regulations regulations. Bloomily helps Georgia childcare centers manage staff ratios, certifications, and emergency drills — all in one platform.
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Required ratios for Georgia licensed childcare facilities
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
Infants (0-12 months) Infants under 1 year or non-walking under 18 months | 1:6 | 12 children |
ones Walking 1-year-olds | 1:8 | 16 children |
twos 2-year-olds | 1:10 | 20 children |
threes 3-year-olds | 1:15 | 30 children |
fours 4-year-olds | 1:18 | 36 children |
fives 5-year-olds | 1:20 | 40 children |
School Age (5+ years) School-age 6+ years | 1:25 | 50 children |
Bloomily automatically monitors staff-to-child ratios in real-time and alerts you when you're approaching limits.
Required Certifications
Certifications required for Georgia childcare staff
Annual Training (10 hours)
Georgia minimum 10 hours annual training including 2 hours literacy training
Background Check (Georgia)
Georgia DECAL comprehensive fingerprint criminal records check
Fire Safety Training
Georgia Fire Safety course required by DECAL and Georgia Fire Marshal
Health & Safety Orientation (10 hours)
Georgia 10-hour state-approved Health and Safety Orientation Training
Mandated Reporter Training
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
Pediatric CPR (Georgia)
Pediatric CPR certification - must be completed within 45 days of employment
Pediatric First Aid (Georgia)
Pediatric First Aid certification - must be completed within 45 days of employment
Pre-Service Training (20 hours)
Georgia 20-hour pre-service training including Licensure Orientation Meeting
Transportation Safety Training
Georgia 2-hour transportation safety training for staff who drive vehicles with children
Bloomily tracks certification expiration dates and sends automated renewal reminders before they lapse.
Emergency Drill Requirements
Required safety drills for Georgia childcare facilities
Required Drills
Fire Drill
Monthly fire drills required, documentation retained 2 years
Ref: DECAL Rule 591-1-1-.21(3)
Severe Weather
Tornado and severe weather drills every 6 months
Ref: DECAL Rule 591-1-1-.21(3)
Recommended Drills
Lockdown/Security
Lockdown drills recommended but not required
Shelter in Place
Shelter-in-place drills recommended
Bloomily automatically schedules drills and tracks completion to ensure you never miss a requirement.
Pre-Inspection Checklist
54 items based on Georgia DECAL Rules and Regulations requirements
License displayed in prominent location
Ref: 591-1-1-.02
Permit capacity not exceeded
Ref: 591-1-1-.02
Operating within licensed hours
Ref: 591-1-1-.02
Written operational policies available
Ref: 591-1-1-.09
Parent handbook current and distributed
Ref: 591-1-1-.09
Indoor space meets minimum (35 sq ft per child)
Ref: 591-1-1-.18
Outdoor play area meets minimum (100 sq ft per child)
Ref: 591-1-1-.19
Temperature maintained 65-75°F
Ref: 591-1-1-.18
Adequate lighting in all areas
Ref: 591-1-1-.18
Toilets clean and child-accessible
Ref: 591-1-1-.18
Handwashing facilities available
Ref: 591-1-1-.18
Drinking water readily accessible
Ref: 591-1-1-.18
Napping equipment clean and appropriate
Ref: 591-1-1-.18
Outdoor equipment safe and age-appropriate
Ref: 591-1-1-.19
Playground surfacing adequate for fall zones
Ref: 591-1-1-.19
Daily health checks performed
Ref: 591-1-1-.15
Handwashing procedures followed
Ref: 591-1-1-.15
Diapering area sanitized properly
Ref: 591-1-1-.15
Medications stored and administered properly
Ref: 591-1-1-.16
First aid supplies stocked and accessible
Ref: 591-1-1-.15
Illness exclusion policy enforced
Ref: 591-1-1-.15
Universal precautions followed
Ref: 591-1-1-.15
Fire extinguishers inspected annually
Ref: 591-1-1-.21
Smoke detectors working
Ref: 591-1-1-.21
Emergency exits marked and unobstructed
Ref: 591-1-1-.21
Fire drills conducted monthly
Ref: 591-1-1-.21(3)
Tornado drills conducted semi-annually
Ref: 591-1-1-.21(3)
Emergency preparedness plan posted
Ref: 591-1-1-.21
Drill documentation maintained (2 years)
Ref: 591-1-1-.21(3)
Hazardous materials stored safely
Ref: 591-1-1-.20
Swimming pool secured (if applicable)
Ref: 591-1-1-.20
Background checks current for all staff
Ref: 591-1-1-.07
Director meets qualification requirements
Ref: 591-1-1-.05
CPR certification current (all caregivers)
Ref: 591-1-1-.06
First Aid certification current
Ref: 591-1-1-.06
Annual training hours completed (10 hrs)
Ref: 591-1-1-.06
Staff-to-child ratios maintained
Ref: 591-1-1-.32
Fire safety training current (3 years)
Ref: 591-1-1-.06
Pre-service training completed
Ref: 591-1-1-.06
Enrollment forms complete
Ref: 591-1-1-.10
Emergency contact information current
Ref: 591-1-1-.10
Immunization records on file (Form 3231)
Ref: 591-1-1-.10
Health statements current
Ref: 591-1-1-.10
Pickup authorization documented
Ref: 591-1-1-.10
Allergy/special needs documented
Ref: 591-1-1-.10
Attendance records maintained
Ref: 591-1-1-.10
Children supervised at all times
Ref: 591-1-1-.32
Sign-in/out procedures followed
Ref: 591-1-1-.32
Staff seated with children during meals
Ref: 591-1-1-.32
Mixed-age group ratios properly calculated
Ref: 591-1-1-.32
Menus posted and followed
Ref: 591-1-1-.14
Food stored properly
Ref: 591-1-1-.14
Kitchen area clean and sanitary
Ref: 591-1-1-.14
Special dietary needs accommodated
Ref: 591-1-1-.14
Track your Georgia compliance digitally
Bloomily keeps your checklist updated, tracks staff certifications, and alerts you before items expire.
Nearby State Requirements
Requirements vary by state. Click to view specific licensing requirements.
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