Day Care in Atlanta: How to Find Safe, Reliable Child Care in the City

Finding day care in Atlanta can feel overwhelming, whether you live in the city, commute in for work, or are relocating and need child care quickly. Atlanta’s mix of neighborhoods, traffic patterns, and work schedules shapes what “good” day care looks like in real life.

This guide walks you through how day care works in Atlanta, Georgia—from types of programs and licensing rules to costs, waiting lists, and how to evaluate centers and providers near you.

Types of Day Care Available in Atlanta

Atlanta offers a wide range of child care options. Understanding the main types helps you narrow your search based on your child’s age, your schedule, and your budget.

Center-Based Day Care

These are larger, licensed facilities that care for groups of children, often from infant through pre-K.

Common features in Atlanta centers:

• Structured classrooms by age (infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-K)
• Regular hours that fit 9–5 or 8–6 workdays
• Curriculum-based learning (letters, numbers, social skills, early literacy)
• Onsite playgrounds or outdoor areas
• Multiple staff members per classroom

You’ll find centers in:

• Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead near major office hubs
• West Midtown and Old Fourth Ward near new residential and work developments
• Suburbs and nearby cities like Decatur, Sandy Springs, and East Point

Centers can be convenient if you work in-town and want care close to your job, or if you want a school-like environment.

Family Child Care Homes

Family child care homes are typically run by one provider in their own home, caring for a smaller group of children.

In Atlanta, these can be easier to find in residential neighborhoods such as:

• Atlanta’s Westside, Southwest Atlanta, East Atlanta, and Kirkwood
• Nearby communities like East Point, College Park, and Forest Park

Benefits often include:

• Smaller, homelike setting
• Mixed-age groups (siblings can stay together)
• Potentially more flexible drop-off and pick-up times
• Sometimes lower cost than large centers

These homes also must be licensed or registered with the state when they care for more than a small number of children.

Part-Time, Drop-In, and Preschool Programs

If you don’t need full-time care, Atlanta still offers options:

• Part-time preschool programs in churches, synagogues, and community centers (often 2–5 mornings per week)
• Drop-in child care at select centers or activity hubs (more limited and often first-come, first-served)
• Mother’s Morning Out–style programs across many Atlanta neighborhoods, especially in Buckhead, Decatur, and the northern suburbs

These can work well for stay-at-home or hybrid-working parents who need a few hours of coverage weekly.

Nannies and Nanny Shares

While not “day care centers,” nannies and nanny shares are a big part of Atlanta’s child care landscape, especially in:

• Buckhead
• Virginia-Highland/Morningside
• Inman Park
• Grant Park
• Intown neighborhoods with many young families

Families may hire:

• A full-time nanny
• A part-time nanny (afternoons, early evenings)
• A nanny share (two families splitting one caregiver and cost)

Nannies are not licensed through the state the way day care centers are, so you have more responsibility for screening and oversight.

How Child Care Licensing Works in Atlanta

All licensing for day care in Atlanta is handled at the state level, not by the City of Atlanta.

The key agency is:

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, 754 East Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404-656-5957 (main line)

What Licensing Means

Licensed centers and family homes must meet standards for:

• Staff-to-child ratios (for example, fewer children per adult in infant rooms)
• Health and safety practices
• Background checks for staff
• Facility inspections
• Emergency and supervision policies

When you choose a licensed provider, you can look up their record with DECAL, including inspection reports and any violations.

You can ask any center or home:

• “Are you licensed by Bright from the Start?”
• “What is your current license type and status?”
• “Can you show me your most recent inspection report?”

If a program isn’t licensed (and is required to be), that’s a major red flag.

Georgia Pre-K in Atlanta

If your child is 4 years old by the statewide cutoff date, you may be eligible for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, which provides state-funded pre-kindergarten.

In Atlanta, Georgia Pre-K is offered in:

• Public schools (Atlanta Public Schools and nearby districts)
• Many private day care centers
• Some faith-based and community centers

Key points:

• Programs operate school-day, school-year hours (roughly 6.5 hours a day).
• Extended-day care may be available for an additional fee.
• Spaces often fill quickly, and there can be lotteries or waiting lists.

To explore Georgia Pre-K options in Atlanta, contact:

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning – Georgia’s Pre-K
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
General phone: 404-656-5957

This program can significantly reduce your child care costs for the pre-K year while still providing a structured day care–like environment.

Typical Day Care Hours and Schedules in Atlanta

Most full-day programs in Atlanta follow work-friendly schedules, though exact times vary.

Common patterns:

• Standard full-day: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Extended hours: Some open as early as 6:30 a.m. or close as late as 6:30 p.m.
• Part-time options: Half-days (morning or afternoon), 2–3 days per week
• After-school care: For school-age children, typically until 6:00 p.m.

Traffic is a real factor in Atlanta. When you pick a center, consider:

• Your usual commute (e.g., from South Atlanta or East Point into Downtown).
• Whether you can reliably make pick-up before closing, even on I-75/I-85 or GA 400 on a bad traffic day.
• Whether a center close to home, rather than work, might reduce stress at the end of the day.

Many Atlanta parents choose day care near home so one partner can manage drop-off and the other pick-up, or so they’re not racing across town at rush hour.

What Day Care Typically Costs in Atlanta

Day care costs in metro Atlanta vary by:

• Child’s age (infant care is usually most expensive)
• Type of program (center vs. family home vs. nanny share)
• Neighborhood (intown vs. outer suburbs)
• Hours and services included (meals, extended care, enrichment)

While individual prices change over time, you can expect:

• Infant care: Highest cost due to stricter ratios
• Toddler and preschool rooms: Somewhat lower than infant care
• Georgia Pre-K: Core hours covered by the state; you may pay for before/after-care

Ask each program directly:

• What is the weekly or monthly rate by age group?
• Are meals and snacks included?
• Are there registration fees, supply fees, or annual fees?
• Are there discounts for siblings?
• What are the late pick-up fees?

Remember to factor in the cost of transportation (gas, parking downtown, or MARTA passes) if the center is not close to home.

Financial Assistance and Subsidies in Atlanta

If day care costs feel out of reach, Atlanta families may have access to assistance programs.

Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program

The CAPS program helps eligible Georgia families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or attend training.

Administered by DECAL, CAPS can be used with approved providers in Atlanta, including many licensed centers and homes.

For information:

Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
CAPS phone line (general DECAL line): 404-656-5957

Ask about:

• Eligibility requirements (income, work/school status)
• How to apply
• Which Atlanta providers accept CAPS

Other Potential Supports

Depending on your situation, you may also look into:

• Head Start and Early Head Start programs in the Atlanta area (income-based, free early childhood education)
• Scholarships or sliding-scale tuition at select community or faith-based centers
• Employer-based child care benefits or flexible spending accounts if you work for a larger Atlanta employer

What to Look for in an Atlanta Day Care

In any city, you want safe, nurturing care. In Atlanta, you also need to think about location, logistics, and consistency.

Here are key factors to consider.

Location and Commute

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I want day care close to home (easier when a child is sick or for staggered shifts)?
• Or close to work (easier to visit at lunch, but stressful at rush hour)?
• How will I-285, I-20, GA 400, or local surface-street traffic affect drop-off and pick-up?

Many Atlanta parents do trial commutes at drop-off and pick-up times before enrolling, to see how long the trip really takes.

Licensing and Safety

When visiting:

• Confirm the provider is licensed by Bright from the Start.
• Ask to see their license certificate and most recent inspection notice.
• Check for:
  • Secure entry (locked doors, sign-in/sign-out procedures)
  • Clean, childproofed spaces
  • Safe outdoor play areas, fenced if near busy roads
  • Clear policies for emergencies and illness

You can independently verify licensing status and inspection history by contacting DECAL.

Staff Quality and Stability

Key signs of a positive environment:

• Warm, respectful interactions between staff and children
• Low staff turnover (ask: “How long have your teachers been here?”)
• Clear training and professional development
• Calm, predictable routines

Atlanta’s competitive job market means some centers struggle with turnover, so it’s reasonable to ask direct questions about staffing and retention.

Curriculum and Daily Routine

Ask for a sample daily schedule. For infants and toddlers, look for:

• Time for play, reading, singing, and age-appropriate activities
• Opportunities for outdoor play when weather allows
• Responsive care (feeding and napping by individual needs, especially for infants)

For preschoolers:

• Activities focused on early literacy, math, social skills, and problem-solving
• Some preparation for kindergarten expectations in local schools (Atlanta Public Schools and neighboring districts)
• Balance between structured learning and free play

How to Start Your Day Care Search in Atlanta

Here’s a simple process you can follow.

1. Define Your Needs

Clarify:

• Child’s age
• Your required hours and days
• Preferred location (home vs. work)
• Budget range
• Language or cultural preferences (e.g., bilingual programs)
• Any special care considerations

2. Use State and Local Resources

To locate licensed options:

• Bright from the Start / DECAL: Maintains a statewide database of licensed child care programs.
  Phone: 404-656-5957 (for guidance on how to search)

You can also:

• Contact your local school district or community centers to ask about Georgia Pre-K, Head Start, or nearby programs.
• Check bulletin boards at libraries, parks, and recreation centers around Atlanta for local providers.

3. Make a Shortlist and Schedule Tours

Contact several programs that:

• Are properly licensed
• Have hours and location that fit your life
• Are within your budget or accept financial assistance you use (such as CAPS)

During visits, observe:

• How staff interact with children
• Cleanliness and safety measures
• Noise level and atmosphere
• How children seem—engaged, calm, and comfortable, or stressed and unsettled

4. Ask Practical Atlanta-Specific Questions

Some examples:

• “How do you handle late pick-up, especially with Atlanta traffic?”
• “What happens if MARTA is delayed and I’m running behind?”
• “Do you operate during inclement weather or follow a specific school district closure policy?”
• “If there’s a major event (e.g., downtown sports events, large conventions) that affects traffic, how flexible are you with pick-up times?”

Sample Checklist for Comparing Day Care Options in Atlanta

You can use a simple table like this while touring:

Timing and Waitlists in Atlanta

In many Atlanta neighborhoods, particularly intown and higher-density areas, day care spots can fill up quickly.

Common patterns:

• Infant rooms often have the longest waitlists; many families join before the baby is born.
• Popular centers near major employment hubs (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter) may have months-long waits for certain age groups.
• Georgia Pre-K slots may involve lotteries or strict enrollment windows.

Practical tips:

• Start looking well before you need care—ideally several months in advance for infants.
• Put your child on more than one waitlist.
• Clarify:
  • Enrollment fees or deposits
  • How they manage the waitlist (priority for siblings, staff children, etc.)
  • How often you should check back

Health Policies You Should Ask About

Day care in Atlanta—and everywhere—follows health and illness rules, but policies vary by provider.

Ask specifically:

• What is your sick child policy (fever thresholds, vomiting, contagious illnesses)?
• Do you require immunization records, and how are exemptions handled?
• How do you communicate illness outbreaks in the center?
• What is your cleaning and sanitizing routine?

You can discuss your child’s individual health needs with the center, but decisions about medical care should always be made with your child’s health care professional.

Key Contacts for Day Care and Early Childhood Programs in Atlanta

Here are core agencies you can turn to for information, verification, or next steps:

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
Licensing, Georgia Pre-K, and general child care information
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, 754 East Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404-656-5957

Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)
Financial assistance program for eligible families (administered by DECAL)
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404-656-5957 (main DECAL line; ask for CAPS information)

For additional local context, you can also:

• Contact Atlanta Public Schools or your local school district office for information on Georgia Pre-K in public schools.
• Visit or call Atlanta libraries and recreation centers to ask about nearby programs and community-based care options.

Choosing day care in Atlanta is a mix of understanding state rules, local traffic and neighborhoods, your family’s schedule, and your child’s needs. By focusing on licensed providers, clear communication, and realistic commute planning, you can narrow the choices to safe, reliable options that fit day-to-day life in the city.