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.
- Post and prominently display a copy of the exemption approval letter (see below) from Bright from the Start near the front entrance of the facility. Exemption approval letters are granted by physical location (individual campus). Please make sure you are posting the correct letter from the list below for your campus.
- Post a notice that the program is not licensed and is not required to be licensed by the state in a conspicuous place. The notice must contain letters at least ½ inch high and include the department’s phone number (404-657- 5562) and website address (www.decal.ga.gov). Notices of non-licensure are granted by physical location (individual campus). Please make sure you are posting the correct notice from the list below for your campus.
- Obtain the signature of parent(s) or guardian(s) on a parental advisement of non-licensure form that indicates they have been advised and understand the program is not licensed.
- Maintain attendance records for all children.
- Maintain parental acknowledgement forms (parental advisement of non-licensure) and attendance records on-site while a child is enrolled and until that child reaches the age of 21.
- Make all records available to Bright from the Start upon request.