Take a Tour!

The Hidden Dangers of Home Childcare in Georgia — What Every Parent Should Know

Childcare is one of the biggest decisions a family makes — and for good reason. Parents want safe, nurturing environments that support their children’s development. While home childcare settings might seem cozy and affordable, many families don’t realize the real risks involved when providers operate outside the highest standards of training, oversight, and safety.

At Angel Learning Center, we believe that informed parents make the best choices — and safety should always come first.

Why Georgia Families Need to Understand the Risks

In Georgia, there are thousands of childcare options — including licensed centers, licensed family homes, and unlicensed programs operating without oversight. According to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), the state has roughly 3,200 licensed centers and 1,100 family child care homes, plus several thousand programs that are “exempt” or not required to follow full licensing rules. Many of these unlicensed homes provide care without state inspection or enforced safety standards. https://www.walb.com

What does this mean for parents? Not all childcare is created equal — and many home-based settings may not be held to the same safety standards as licensed providers.

1. Not All Home Childcare Is Licensed or Inspected

In Georgia, anyone caring for more than two children for pay generally must be licensed by DECAL — but many do not register, meaning no routine safety checks, no oversight of training, and no compliance enforcement. https://www.walb.com

In contrast, licensed programs (including family child care learning homes and learning centers) must:

  • Complete background checks for every adult caregiver

  • Complete approved health and safety training

  • Pass on-site inspections before and after licensing

  • Comply with rules for supervision, child-to-adult ratios, and safety procedures

These safeguards exist to protect children — but they only apply when the provider is operating legally and under state rules. Georgia Rules and Regulations

2. Safety Standards and Training Matter

To become a licensed Family Child Care Learning Home in Georgia, providers must:

  • Be at least 21 and meet educational criteria

  • Complete 20 hours of pre-service training

  • Complete 10 hours of annual training on topics like child development, safety, and emergency procedures

  • Obtain and maintain state-approved CPR and First Aid training

  • Pass background checks for all adults in the home

  • Allow DECAL inspections of the home environment before licensing and throughout operation Decal

These requirements are designed to ensure consistent quality and protect children every day. Without them — as in many unregulated homes — there’s no guarantee those protections exist.

3. Home Settings Can Pose Hidden Risks

Homes are not built like childcare facilities. They often lack:

  • Commercial-grade safety equipment

  • Separate, age-appropriate learning spaces

  • Fully fenced, properly surfaced outdoor play areas

  • Emergency evacuation plans

  • Multiple trained adults to watch children

In licensed settings, staff-to-child ratios and supervision standards help prevent accidents — and ongoing inspections ensure these are followed. In many home programs without licensing, these standards are not enforceable.

4. Injuries and Accidents Happen — Parents Should Know the Real Numbers

State and national data show that unintentional injuries are common in early childhood — and many of these occur during childcare activities like playtime and transitions. According to injury data tracked by child safety organizations, falls are the leading cause of injuries in daycare settings and often occur when supervision lapses or environments are not properly childproofed. Kevin Patrick Law

While Licensed centers and homes work under safety rules and inspections to reduce these risks, unregulated homes may not be held to those same standards.

5. Do Your Homework — Verify Before You Trust

Here’s how Georgia parents can protect their children and choose a childcare setting with confidence:

✔ Verify Licensing Status: Always check a provider’s license through the DECAL database.
✔ Ask About Compliance: Inquire about inspections, training, and safety plans.
✔ Visit in Person: See how many adults are present, how children are supervised, and if safety measures are visibly enforced.
✔ Review Inspection Histories: Many inspection and compliance reports are public — use them.

DECAL’s Compliance at a Glance Dashboard lets parents view inspection results and ensure childcare providers are meeting state standards. Families Decal

Conclusion: Safety First — Always

Home childcare can work for some families — but only when it’s properly licensed, trained, and regulated. Without these safeguards, children are at unnecessary risk, and parents may be unaware of gaps in supervision, training, or safety.

At Angel Learning Center, we follow Georgia’s highest standards because we believe every child deserves the safest, most supportive start — and every parent deserves peace of mind.

Are you exploring childcare options? Let us help. Contact us or schedule a tour to see what real, regulated, safe, and nurturing childcare looks like.