Home childcare is regulated by Georgia DECAL. Family homes for 3-6 children need state registration; group homes for 7-12 need a full state license plus city zoning compliance.
Under Georgia law (OCGA §20-1A) and DECAL rules, a Family Child Care Learning Home caring for 3-6 children must be registered with DECAL and meet home-safety standards including CPR/first aid certification, background checks, and periodic inspections. Group Child Care Learning Homes may care for 7-12 children and require a full state license. Atlanta zoning treats small family childcare homes as a permitted home occupation in residential districts. Larger group homes typically require special administrative permits and additional setbacks. All home daycares must meet fire safety, smoke alarm, and egress standards. STRs and home daycares cannot operate in the same dwelling simultaneously.
Operating without state registration is a DECAL enforcement matter with civil fines and potential criminal referral. City zoning violations are separate.
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