Quality Rated Providers in Decatur
Georgia's voluntary Quality Rated system awards 1–4 stars based on curriculum, environment, and staff qualifications. Stars mean a provider has gone beyond the minimum DECAL licensing requirements.
About Childcare in Decatur, GA
Decatur has built a reputation as one of Metro Atlanta's most education-focused communities, and its childcare market reflects that. With 219 providers and a higher concentration of Quality Rated programs than most comparable cities, Decatur draws families who prioritize accreditation and curriculum. The tight-knit neighborhood character means strong word-of-mouth recommendations among parents — and waitlists at top programs that can stretch a year or more.
CAPS participation in Decatur is 35%, slightly below the metro average of 39%, though 76 providers still accept the subsidy. Quality Rated providers — those that have earned 1–3 stars through Georgia's voluntary quality evaluation — make up 31% of the Decatur market, above the metro norm. Parents looking for premium, independently evaluated programs should filter by Quality Rated status on KidMapr's live search.
Data sourced from Georgia DECAL (Division of Early Care and Learning) and updated April 2026. All licensed provider information is verified against the official DECAL database. Provider counts include both licensed and license-exempt providers operating in Decatur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many licensed daycares are in Decatur, GA?
There are 98 DECAL-licensed childcare providers in Decatur, GA as of April 2026, out of 219 total providers in the city. DECAL-licensed providers undergo regular state inspections and meet Georgia's minimum health, safety, and staffing standards.
Do daycares in Decatur accept CAPS subsidy?
Yes — 76 of the 219 childcare providers in Decatur accept Georgia's CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) childcare subsidy. That's 35% of all providers, below the Metro Atlanta average of 39%. Eligible families may pay little or nothing out of pocket. Use KidMapr's CAPS calculator to check your family's eligibility and estimated co-payment.
What is the average daycare rating in Decatur?
The average Google rating for childcare providers in Decatur is 4.4 out of 5 stars, based on parent reviews of 120 rated providers. The Metro Atlanta average is 4.4 stars. Ratings reflect parent experiences but should be read alongside DECAL inspection reports for a complete picture.
How much does daycare cost in Decatur, GA?
Daycare costs in Decatur vary significantly by age group, program type, and center quality. Infant care (6 weeks–12 months) typically ranges from $220–$380/week in DeKalb County. Toddler and preschool care is generally $180–$320/week. Families who qualify for Georgia's CAPS subsidy may pay $0–$50/week depending on income and family size — use the KidMapr CAPS calculator to check your estimated co-payment.
Which neighborhood in Decatur has the most daycare options?
Based on DECAL provider data, Decatur Core has the highest concentration of childcare providers in Decatur with 62 licensed programs. Use KidMapr's interactive map to explore providers by location and find options closest to your home or workplace.
How do I check a daycare's inspection report in Decatur?
All DECAL-licensed childcare providers in Georgia are subject to unannounced inspections. You can look up any provider's inspection history and compliance record on the Georgia DECAL public portal at decal.ga.gov. KidMapr links to DECAL records on each provider's profile page.
What does Quality Rated mean for daycares in Decatur?
Georgia's Quality Rated program is a voluntary rating system for childcare providers that goes beyond basic DECAL licensing. Providers earn 1–3 stars based on curriculum quality, learning environment, and staff qualifications. In Decatur, 67 of 219 providers hold a Quality Rated designation. A Quality Rated provider has been independently evaluated and recognized for exceeding state minimums.
Are there daycares in Decatur that accept infants?
Yes — 80 of the 219 childcare providers in Decatur accept infants (generally 6 weeks to 12 months). Infant slots are the most competitive and often have the longest waitlists. If you're expecting, KidMapr recommends starting your search at least 3–6 months before your target start date. Filter for infant care on KidMapr.com to see all available options in Decatur.