Per adopted rule changes effective October 1, 2024, exemption rules have been updated. The completion of an online self-assessment shall be completed to determine a program's exemption status. Based on the assessment, some programs will be directed to continue the application process through DECAL KOALA accounts.
If a program was previously approved for more than one exemption through Decal Koala, the exemption categories have been migrated into one exemption category. The self-assessment will need to be completed for each type of program that will be operated, an example of this could be a four (4) hour preschool program and summer camp. Please refer to this link for updated exemption categories.
Family Child Care Learning Home Licensing is required https://www.decalkoala.com/Application/Index.
Residence living in the home are not eligible for an exemption.
If the program is free, it does not meet the definition of child care, therefore it is not subjected to the rules and regulations.
If the program would like to participate in CAPS, the program must apply for an EX-1-Government owned and operated, at the following link https://www.decalkoala.com/Application/Exempt. If the program is approved for an exemption category 1, the program can find more information on CAPS at the following link https://caps.decal.ga.gov/en/.
Based on the answers, the program is exempt from child care licensing. If the program wants to participate in Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) in the future, the program will need to apply for an EX-1-Government owned and operated application through DECAL KOALA.
If yes to question 7, this portion of the private school requires licensing. Please visit this link https://www.decalkoala.com/Application/Index for more information.
If answered yes to any of the following questions number 4A, 5, or 6, and answered no for question number 7, the program does not need a license or exemption.
A Center that is licensed by the Department may request an exemption from licensure if the Center’s program is an integral part of an established religious congregation or religious school that conducts regularly scheduled classes, courses of study, or educational programs and is a member of or accredited by or certified by a state, regional, or national accrediting agency for religious educational instruction or a state, regional, or national accrediting agency for educational instruction as recognized and approved by the Department if such accrediting entity uses standards that are substantially similar to those established by the Department. This type of program can choose to stay licensed or can apply for an exemption. Please visit this link to apply for an exemption hhttps://www.decalkoala.com/Application/Exempt.
If the program would like to receive CAPS subsidy go to the following link to get more information https://caps.decal.ga.gov/en/. The program would apply for an EX-7 exemption via application process https://www.decalkoala.com/Application/Exempt.
Based on the answers, the program is exempt from child care licensing. If the program wants to participate in Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) in the future, the program will need to apply for an EX-7 exemption via application process https://www.decalkoala.com/Application/Exempt.
If Yes, the program will need to apply for a Child Care Learning Center license at the following link https://www.decalkoala.com/Application/CCLC.
