Find a CAPS-Approved
Daycare Near You

Search 3,978 licensed daycares across metro Atlanta that accept Georgia CAPS subsidy. Compare photos, ratings, QR stars, and availability — then call with confidence.

Search CAPS Daycares

Sample Results — Marietta, GA

Showing 76 CAPS-accepting daycares in Marietta · Sorted by Best Match

KinderCare Learning Center Marietta GA daycare
Marietta KinderCare Learning Center
480 Franklin Gateway SE, Marietta, GA 30067
✓ CAPS Accepted Infants Full-Time Ages 6wk–5yr
4.6
112 reviews
★★★ QR Rated
CAPS slots available
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Primrose School East Marietta preschool daycare
Primrose School of East Marietta
1650 Roswell Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30062
✓ CAPS Accepted Infants Pre-K Program Ages 6wk–5yr
4.8
203 reviews
★★★ QR Rated
Call for availability
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Bright Horizons Windy Hill Marietta childcare center
Bright Horizons at Windy Hill
2290 Windy Hill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30060
✓ CAPS Accepted Before & After School Ages 6wk–12yr
4.5
88 reviews
★★ QR Rated
CAPS slots available
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View All 76 CAPS Daycares in Marietta →
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CAPS Daycares by Metro Atlanta City

Click any city to see all CAPS-accepting licensed daycares with photos, ratings, and contact info.

When You Call a Provider

Questions to Ask Every Daycare Before You Commit

Once your CAPS Certificate is approved, call your top choices immediately. These questions will help you compare providers and avoid surprises on enrollment day.

🔑 CAPS-Specific Questions
"Do you currently have CAPS openings for a [child's age]?"
This is the most important question. Don't assume CAPS acceptance means availability — many providers have waiting lists for CAPS slots specifically.
💡 Ask for a waitlist position even if they're full. Slots open frequently.
"What is my co-pay responsibility — is there anything additional I would owe?"
CAPS-approved daycares cannot charge more than your DECAL-assigned co-pay for covered care. However, some charge separate fees for meals, registration, or supplies — ask upfront.
"Are you currently enrolled as a CAPS provider with DECAL?"
Provider enrollment can lapse. Confirm they are actively enrolled and accepting new CAPS certificates before you count on them.
📋 General Quality Questions
"What is your staff-to-child ratio for [child's age group]?"
Georgia law requires specific ratios: 1:6 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers. Lower ratios mean more individual attention.
"What is your staff turnover rate? How long has the lead teacher been here?"
High turnover is a red flag. Children thrive with consistent caregivers. A lead teacher who's been there 2+ years is a very good sign.
"What is your sick child policy?"
Know the rules before your child gets a fever at 7am. Understand when you need to pick them up and whether you pay for sick days.
"Can I schedule a tour and observe a classroom before enrolling?"
Any reputable daycare will say yes to this. If they say no, that's a serious red flag.
💡 Visit during active hours (9am–3pm), not during nap time. Notice whether kids seem happy and engaged.
📅 Schedule & Logistics
"What are your hours? What are your holiday closure dates?"
Some daycares close for two weeks in the summer or on days your employer is open. Know this before you commit.
"Is there a registration or enrollment fee? What does it cover?"
CAPS covers care costs but typically not one-time enrollment fees. These can range from $0 to $200+.
Understanding QR Ratings

What Georgia's Quality Rated (QR) System Means

Georgia rates licensed daycares on a 1–3 star scale. QR participation is voluntary — but for CAPS families, it matters for two important reasons.

⭐⭐⭐
HIGHEST

QR Three Star — Highest Quality

The daycare meets the highest standards in teacher qualifications, curriculum, health & safety, and family engagement. State pays providers higher CAPS reimbursement rates — many use this to offer $0 or reduced co-pays to CAPS families. This is the gold standard. Filter for QR ★★★ first.

⭐⭐
GOOD

QR Two Star — Above Average

Meets solid standards, working toward three-star. Teacher education requirements are meaningful. Receives enhanced CAPS reimbursement (slightly less than three-star). A good choice if three-star options don't have CAPS openings.


LICENSED

QR One Star — Licensed, Not Rated

Meets Georgia's basic licensing requirements but has not completed the full Quality Rated evaluation. Still a legitimate, licensed provider — just with less transparency on quality metrics. Also CAPS-eligible if enrolled as a provider.

CAPS tip: When calling providers, ask "Are you Quality Rated? What star level?" A QR ★★★ daycare that accepts CAPS may charge you a lower co-pay than the state sets because their higher reimbursement rate covers more of the cost. Always ask.

Watch Out For

Red Flags When Choosing a CAPS Daycare

Protect your child and your CAPS benefits by watching for these warning signs.

🚩

Provider asks you to pay more than your assigned co-pay

CAPS-approved providers are contractually prohibited from charging CAPS families above the DECAL-assigned co-pay for covered care. If a provider demands additional "CAPS fees" or "top-up payments," report this to DECAL at 1-877-423-4746.

🚩

Won't let you tour the classroom before enrollment

Every reputable daycare welcomes parent tours. Refusal to allow visits suggests they don't want parents to see day-to-day conditions. This is a serious red flag regardless of CAPS status.

🚩

Asks you to sign over your CAPS Certificate

You do not "sign over" your CAPS benefits. Your Certificate is submitted jointly with the provider to DECAL. Any provider asking for your login credentials or to hold your Certificate permanently is acting improperly.

🚩

License is expired or has recent violations

Always verify a daycare's license status at decal.ga.gov before enrolling. CAPS can only be used at currently licensed facilities in good standing.