The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Georgia Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Georgia. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
GEORGIA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, 754 East Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334
http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CCLCRulesandRegulations.pdf
(404) 656-5957
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
0-18 Mos. (not walking) |
12-18 Mos. |
18-24 Mos. |
2 Years |
3 Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:6 |
1:8 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:15 |
1:18 |
1:20 |
1:25 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
12 |
16 |
16 |
20 |
30 |
36 |
40 |
50 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
420 sf. |
560 sf. |
560 sf. |
700 sf. |
1050 sf. |
1260 sf. |
1400 sf. |
1750 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 100 sf per child
- The play area must be enclosed by a 4′ high fence or wall.
- Play areas serving children under 2 years old are not required to comply.
- Accessible play equipment is required to have an ADA path to all entry and exit points.
- A Splash Pad is required to have an ADA path to all entry and exit points.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
10 |
Occupants allowed in a room with room with only one exit. |
20 |
Percentage of wall mounted artwork allowed to cover the wall area |
0 |
Number of child cubbies allowed in a corridor of a non-sprinklered building. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
When children under 3 years old are together in one room, the ratio is based on the age of the youngest child present. | |
When children 3 and older are together in one room, the ratio is based on the age of the majority of the children in the group. |  |
Diaper changing tables must be within arm’s reach of the diapering sink. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019