Childcare Subsidies in Georgia
Financial assistance programs to help Georgia families pay for daycare and childcare.
Georgia CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services)
Free pre-K for all 4-year-olds regardless of income.
Am I Eligible?
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in Georgia
Application Process
Apply for Georgia CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) online at caps.decal.ga.gov. The online application is straightforward and allows you to upload supporting documents. You will need proof of income, proof of Georgia residency, Social Security numbers, child birth certificates, and your work or school schedule. Georgia requires that you be working at least 24 hours per week (or in a qualifying education/training program). Processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks.
Co-Pay Structure
Georgia's CAPS co-pays are based on a sliding fee scale tied to family income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. Families at the lowest income levels pay as little as $2-$5/week per child. Near the income ceiling of $50,952 for a family of four, co-pays rise to $80-$120/week. Georgia assesses co-pays per child but offers a reduced rate for the second and subsequent children. The co-pay schedule is published on the DECAL website and updated annually.
Waitlist Reality
Georgia's CAPS program has experienced chronic waitlists, with tens of thousands of families on the list at various times. The waitlist fluctuates based on state funding; during periods of increased funding, it may shrink to a few months, but it has historically stretched to 12+ months during budget crunches. Priority goes to families transitioning off TANF, children in protective services, and families experiencing homelessness. Check your status on the CAPS portal monthly.
Additional Programs in Georgia
Georgia's Pre-K Program is one of the oldest and most successful universal pre-K programs in the country, providing free pre-K for all 4-year-olds regardless of income. It runs a full 6.5-hour school day and is available in every county. This is a major resource that can significantly reduce your childcare costs. Head Start is widely available, and Georgia also offers a Childcare and Parent Services scholarship for HOPE-eligible technical college students. Quality Rated providers receive higher CAPS reimbursements.
Tips for Georgia Parents
Enroll your 4-year-old in Georgia Pre-K (it is free for everyone) and use CAPS only for before/after care and summer. This is the single best strategy for reducing childcare costs in Georgia. Apply for CAPS the moment you know you need it, given the historical waitlist issues. Choose a Quality Rated provider, as they are subject to higher standards and receive better state funding. If you are denied CAPS, you can request a fair hearing within 30 days through DECAL. Keep your phone number and address current in the CAPS system, as they will drop you from the waitlist if they cannot reach you.
Federal Programs Available Everywhere
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Claim 20-35% of childcare expenses on your federal taxes.
Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
Employer-sponsored pre-tax account for childcare expenses. Reduces taxable income.
Head Start / Early Head Start
Free federally funded program for children from low-income families. Head Start: ages 3-5. Early Head Start: birth to 3.
Eligibility: At or below federal poverty level (family of 4: ~$31,200 in 2024).
See Daycare Costs in Georgia
Compare childcare prices across 159 counties in Georgia. Center-based infant care averages $6,592/year.
View Georgia daycare costs →