How to start a daycare in Georgia
Georgia needs more licensed childcare. Nearly 60% of Georgia families live in childcare deserts. This guide walks through every decision you'll make, from choosing your license type to filling your first class.
Before you start: the five decisions that shape everything
Most daycare startup failures happen because of decisions made (or not made) in the first few weeks — long before a license application is filed. Get these five things right early and the rest of the process is much more manageable.
Center vs. home daycare
A home daycare (FCCH license) serves 4–6 children from your residence with much lower startup costs — but lower revenue ceiling. A center (CCLC license) can serve significantly more children and has greater earning potential, but requires leasing commercial space, hiring staff, and substantially higher upfront investment. Most providers who start with a home daycare eventually want to expand; if that's your plan, factor the transition into your business model from the beginning.
Your target age groups
Infant care (0–12 months) requires the most staff per child (1:6 ratio) and commands the highest tuition, but infant rooms are typically your least profitable per square foot. Preschool rooms (37–48 months, 1:15 ratio) are the most profitable. Most centers serve infants to build relationships with families who stay through preschool. Decide your age range before you design your space — it determines everything from square footage needs to hiring.
Your curriculum philosophy
Whether you're Montessori, play-based, faith-based, or STEM-focused, your curriculum should be decided before you market your program. In Atlanta's competitive market, generic daycares struggle more than those with a clear identity. Your curriculum also affects your Georgia Star Quality rating, which affects whether you qualify for CAPS subsidy participation and attracts quality-conscious families.
Location and zoning
Commercial space for a daycare needs proper zoning (typically commercial or mixed-use). Home daycares must comply with local residential zoning rules — many municipalities restrict or require special permits for commercial activity in residential zones, including daycares. Confirm zoning approval before signing any lease or investing in a space.
Your business entity
Most daycare operators form an LLC before opening. This separates personal and business liability — important given that you're caring for children. You'll need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, a business bank account, and a business name registration through the Georgia Secretary of State. Set all of this up before you apply for your DECAL license.
The startup roadmap: month by month
Opening a daycare in Georgia takes a minimum of six months when everything goes smoothly. Here's a realistic timeline for a center-based operation.
- Form your LLC and obtain EIN
- Write a business plan with revenue projections
- Identify and secure your facility (lease or purchase)
- Confirm zoning approval from your municipality
- Begin building your waitlist immediately — even before you have a license date
- Create DECAL provider portal account
- Schedule fire inspection (lead time can be 4–6 weeks in some counties)
- Complete director 10-hour pre-licensing training
- Submit staff background checks through GAPS (2–6 week processing)
- Draft your parent policy handbook
- Assemble all required documents
- Submit online application with $35 fee
- Await DECAL review (30–45 days)
- Purchase furniture, equipment, and supplies
- Complete facility buildout and childproofing
- Hire and onboard teaching staff
- Set tuition rates and enrollment policies
- Market your open date and convert waitlist to enrolled families
- Pre-licensing DECAL inspection
- Address any correction notices promptly
- Receive license — display at entrance
- First day of operation
Free: Georgia daycare startup checklist
The complete pre-opening checklist — every task organized by month so nothing falls through the cracks.
Startup costs: real numbers for Georgia
Startup costs vary enormously by license type, location, and how much renovation your facility needs. These are realistic ranges based on Georgia providers we've tracked through CloverMap.
Home daycare (FCCH)
Daycare center (CCLC)
Underestimating costs is the most common first-year mistake
New operators consistently underestimate the time between opening and reaching 70–80% enrollment — the break-even point for most centers. Budget for 6 months of operating costs even if you have a strong waitlist. Tuition doesn't cover payroll in month one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a daycare in Georgia?
Startup costs for a Georgia daycare center typically range from $25,000–$150,000 depending on whether you're leasing a commercial space or operating from home. Major costs include: facility lease and renovations ($10,000–$80,000), furniture and equipment ($5,000–$20,000), insurance ($2,000–$5,000/year), licensing fees ($35), staff hiring and onboarding, and 3–6 months of operating capital. Home daycares (FCCH license) can start for as little as $5,000–$15,000.
How long does it take to open a daycare in Georgia?
Plan for 6–12 months from the decision to open to your first day of operation. The DECAL licensing process alone takes 60–90 days. Add time for finding and preparing a facility (2–4 months), hiring and training staff (4–8 weeks), building your waitlist (ongoing from the start), and setting up your business entity and finances. Starting the process early is the most important thing you can do.
Do I need a business degree to open a daycare in Georgia?
No formal degree is required to open a daycare in Georgia. DECAL requires directors to complete 10 hours of pre-licensing training, which covers the regulatory requirements. However, early childhood education credentials (CDA, associate's or bachelor's degree in ECE) improve your quality rating score and make your program more competitive. Many successful daycare owners have backgrounds in education, business, or social services — but none of these are required.
Can I start a daycare from home in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia's Family Child Care Home (FCCH) license allows you to operate a daycare from your personal residence, serving 4–6 children. You'll need to pass DECAL's home inspection, complete the director training, and ensure all staff have background checks. Home daycares have lower startup costs but are limited in capacity and may face local zoning restrictions — check your municipality's zoning rules before committing.
Does Georgia offer grants to start a daycare?
Georgia has several funding programs that may help with startup costs: the CAPS program (supports eligible families, not directly providers), Georgia's CDBG grants through local governments for childcare facilities, USDA CACFP food program reimbursements (operational, not startup), and the SBA's small business loans and grants for childcare businesses. Child Care Aware of Georgia maintains a current list of funding resources for providers.
Next steps
Get the free Georgia daycare startup checklist
Month-by-month checklist covering every task from business formation to your first day of operation.
Ready to go deeper?
Our DECAL licensing guide, CAPS enrollment guide, and tuition pricing guide walk through every step with exact forms, links, and checklists. Built specifically for Georgia providers.
Browse Georgia provider guidesInformation current as of April 2026. Verify all regulatory requirements directly with DECAL at decal.ga.gov.