Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Atlanta / Fulton County Requirements
2 requirementsCity of Atlanta Zoning — Home-Based Child Care
Family day care homes serving up to 6 children are a permitted accessory use in single-family residential zones in Atlanta and do not require a special use permit. Providers must still obtain a City of Atlanta Business License and comply with the Georgia DECAL licensing requirements. Contact the City of Atlanta Office of Zoning and Development at 404-330-6145 to verify compliance for your specific address.
City of Atlanta Business License
All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain a business license from the Atlanta Office of Revenue. Apply online through the Atlanta permitting portal.
Georgia State Requirements
5 requirementsGeorgia DECAL — Family Child Care Home License
Required to operate a family child care home in Georgia serving 3–6 children not related to the provider (caring for 1–2 unrelated children does not require a DECAL license). Licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Requirements include: pre-licensing training (10 hours), background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and FBI for all household members 17+, fire/environmental inspection by local fire marshal, first aid and CPR certification, and a home licensing visit. Annual renewal required.
Georgia DECAL — Group Day Care Home License
Required if caring for 7–18 children in a residential setting. Must have a second qualified caregiver on-site. Enhanced standards apply under DECAL Rules and Regulations for Group Day Care Homes.
Background Check (GBI + FBI Fingerprinting)
All household members age 17+ and any employee must submit fingerprints to the GBI and FBI. Background check must clear the Georgia Sex Offender Registry, Georgia Violent Sex Offender Registry, and DECAL's Child Protective Services Index.
Pre-Licensing Training (10 Hours)
10 hours of pre-licensing training required, covering child development, health and safety, and DECAL regulations. Approved courses available through DECAL's Bright from the Start training portal.
CPR and First Aid Certification
Current infant/child CPR and first aid certification required. Must be maintained throughout the license period.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.
Track these permits automatically
Get deadline alerts and compliance monitoring for your home daycare in Atlanta, GA. Never miss a renewal or face a surprise inspection.
Start Tracking FreeOfficial Sources
Related Guides
Other business types in Atlanta, GA
Home Daycare in other cities
- Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Aberdeen, SD
- Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM
- Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Anchorage, AK
- Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD
- Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Austin, TX
- Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Baltimore, MD
Track these permits automatically
Get deadline alerts and compliance monitoring for your home daycare in Atlanta, GA. Never miss a renewal or face a surprise inspection.
Start Tracking Free