Download the application from the Georgia Department of Early Childcare and Learning website.
Attend a Licensure Orientation Meeting. These meetings are available monthly in different locations around the state. Call ahead to reserve your space. Be sure to pick up a signed certificate that shows your participation.
Secure the permits you need to operate a GA daycare center. These include building permits, fire and safety inspections and health inspections.
Begin the criminal background checks for all employees. Georgia uses Live Scan electronic screening. There is a fee for this service.
Send in Part A of your application to Applicant Services Unit (ASU) at Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, 10 Park Place South, Suite 600, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Include in the Part A packet a copy of zoning approval as well as the certificate that shows you attended a Licensure Orientation Meeting.
Attend a 40-hour director's training workshop if you plan to be the director. If you are hiring someone else to fill that position, send the daycare's director. Pick up a signed verification of attendance from this meeting.
Send in Part B of the application as soon as Part A receives approval and you complete the workshop. Part B should include floor plans of your facility approved by the zoning commission, the certificate of completion for the training workshop, fingerprint results from director's background check, health inspection report and safety inspection approval. If you plan to transport children, an approved vehicle inspection report must be in the file as well. There must be a map to the facility in the packet. Include the director's job application, as well as fingerprint records from other staff members.
Await final approval of Part B. To complete the process an Applications Services Unit inspector performs an on-site evaluation. If all systems are in place, you may receive permission to operate. Post your license and open your daycare center for business.