A large number of young children in Georgia are cared for outside their homes each day. It is important that these settings be safe, healthy, and nurturing, as well as offer quality learning experiences to support and promote the healthy growth and development of children. In Georgia there are approximately 3000 child care learning centers, 3100 family child care learning homes and approximately 2000 informal care providers. The Child Care Services division of Bright from the Start monitors and licenses these child care programs. However, programs which are owned and operated by any department or agency of state (such as the University System of Georgia) may apply for and be granted a licensure exemption from Bright from the Start.
The University of North Georgia has been granted licensure exemptions for programs serving non-enrolled minors for each of the five campuses, as well as Pine Valley. While exempt from Bright from the Start licensure, all internal university-sponsored programs must comply with the following state of Georgia requirements for exempt programs.
Learn more about the current Bright from the Start exemption rules and exemption application.