How much does daycare cost in Atlanta, GA?

Atlanta falls in the mid-range nationally for childcare costs. Full-time infant care in Atlanta typically runs $1,100–$1,700/month, with toddler care at $1,000–$1,500/month and preschool care at $850–$1,300/month. Costs are higher in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Decatur; lower in outer suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, and Smyrna.

How do I look up daycare license records in Georgia?

Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) maintains the online license lookup and inspection history portal for all licensed childcare centers and family daycares in the state. You can search by facility name, county, or zip code to view current license status and inspection reports.

Does Georgia offer childcare subsidy programs?

Yes. Georgia's child care assistance is administered through DECAL under the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program. Eligibility is based on income and work, school, or job training participation. Apply at enrollgakids.com or contact your local CAPS office.

Best Daycares in Atlanta, GA: A Parent's Guide

May 31, 2026

Atlanta's Childcare Landscape

Atlanta is a major metro with a large and diverse childcare market. The city proper and surrounding suburbs — including Decatur, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta, Smyrna, and Dunwoody — collectively offer hundreds of licensed daycare centers. Georgia's licensing and oversight is managed by the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), which also administers the state's quality rating system (Quality Rated) for childcare programs. Quality Rated programs have been independently assessed and provide a useful quality benchmark beyond basic licensing.

Atlanta Neighborhoods and Suburbs for Families

Decatur: Family-friendly community with high concentration of quality daycare options, including several NAEYC-accredited centers; competitive but excellent
Buckhead: Higher-cost neighborhoods with well-resourced centers and strong preschool programming
Virginia-Highland / Poncey-Highland: Walkable inner neighborhoods with mix of centers and home daycares; strong community feel
Sandy Springs: Suburban area north of Atlanta with multiple large centers and strong quality-rated options
Alpharetta / Roswell: Fast-growing suburbs with newer facilities and competitive pricing relative to quality
Marietta / Smyrna: Cobb County options with lower costs than Buckhead or Sandy Springs; solid licensing compliance record
College Park / East Point: South Atlanta communities with licensed centers at lower price points; worth evaluating for families in that corridor

Georgia's Quality Rated System

Georgia is one of a majority of states with a Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS). Programs that participate in Quality Rated are assessed on a 3-star scale across program standards, staff qualifications, and family partnerships. A 3-star Quality Rated program has been verified to meet significantly higher standards than basic licensing. When comparing Atlanta centers, filter for Quality Rated programs as a useful first cut on quality.

CAPS Subsidy: How It Works in Georgia

The Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program subsidizes childcare for working Georgia families earning up to 85% of state median income. Atlanta-area families can apply through DECAL's online portal at enrollgakids.com. The subsidy is paid directly to the approved childcare provider, and families pay a co-pay based on income. Waitlists exist in some counties — apply early.

Finding Atlanta Daycares

Browse licensed and Quality Rated daycare centers across Atlanta and surrounding suburbs at Atlanta daycares. Use DECAL's online portal to verify license status and pull inspection history before scheduling tours. Plan tours during mid-morning hours on a weekday — 9:30–11:00 am — to observe programs during active care time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does daycare cost in Atlanta, GA?: Atlanta falls in the mid-range nationally for childcare costs. Full-time infant care in Atlanta typically runs $1,100–$1,700/month, with toddler care at $1,000–$1,500/month and preschool care at $850–$1,300/month. Costs are higher in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Decatur; lower in outer suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, and Smyrna.
How do I look up daycare license records in Georgia?: Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) maintains the online license lookup and inspection history portal for all licensed childcare centers and family daycares in the state. You can search by facility name, county, or zip code to view current license status and inspection reports.
Does Georgia offer childcare subsidy programs?: Yes. Georgia's child care assistance is administered through DECAL under the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program. Eligibility is based on income and work, school, or job training participation. Apply at enrollgakids.com or contact your local CAPS office.