Chatham County, GA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Child count
- 3 to 6 unrelated under 13
- Total cap
- Six children at one time
- State licensor
- Bright from the Start (DECAL)
- Zoning
- Allowed home occupation, Sec. 2-28
- Definition
- O.C.G.A. Section 20-1A-2
Summary
A Georgia family child care learning home cares for at least three but not more than six unrelated children under 13. Section 2-28 lets Chatham County treat it as a home occupation, but it must be licensed by Bright from the Start (DECAL).
"Family day care home" means a private residence operated by any person who receives therein for pay for supervision and care... at least three but not more than six children under 13 years of age who are not related to such person... provided, however, that the total number of unrelated children cared for in such home, for pay and not for pay, may not exceed six children under 13 years of age at one time.
Full Breakdown
Georgia defines a family child care learning home in O.C.G.A. §20-1A-2 as a private residence caring for pay for at least three but not more than six unrelated children under 13 years of age, with the total number of children (related and unrelated) capped at six at one time. Such homes must be licensed by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and follow its Chapter 290-2-3 rules. Chatham County's Section 2-28 expressly lists a family day care home as a permitted home occupation, so it is allowed as a residential use, but state licensing and staff-child ratios still apply.
Violations & Fines
Caring for more than six children or operating without DECAL licensure exposes the provider to state enforcement; exceeding Section 2-28 limits is a county zoning violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can a home daycare have in Georgia?
Can the county stop a home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia home business overview
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