CloverMap is an independent family resource. We are not affiliated with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) or any government agency. Quality Rated ratings are assigned by DECAL — always verify a provider's current star rating directly at decal.ga.gov. Ratings can change between updates.
What Is Quality Rated?
Quality Rated is Georgia's voluntary childcare quality improvement and rating system, administered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Launched to give parents a clear, objective way to compare childcare programs, it assigns star ratings from 1 to 5 based on a provider's environment, staff qualifications, and program quality.
Unlike the basic state license — which every legal daycare must have — a Quality Rated star is earned through a formal application, self-study, and on-site assessment. A higher star means a provider has voluntarily met higher standards than the law requires. Participation is not required, so not every licensed daycare has a star rating, but those that do have made a public commitment to quality.
Explore This Guide
Deep dives into every aspect of the Quality Rated system.
How the Rating Levels Work
Georgia uses five star levels. Each level builds on the one before it, requiring progressively higher standards.
One Star — Licensed & Compliant
The provider holds a valid Georgia childcare license and has applied to participate in Quality Rated. They meet all baseline state health, safety, and supervision requirements. This is the entry point into the Quality Rated system.
Two Stars — Enhanced Standards
The provider demonstrates enhanced practices in the learning environment and staff–child interactions. Assessors use validated tools such as the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) to measure classroom quality. Staff begin pursuing additional training hours beyond licensing minimums.
Three Stars — Higher Qualifications
At 3 stars, lead teachers hold at least a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher, and the program uses a documented curriculum aligned to Georgia's Early Learning & Development Standards (GELDS). Family engagement practices are formalized.
Four Stars — Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Directors hold degree-level credentials in early childhood education or a related field. The program demonstrates strong family engagement, written professional development plans for all staff, and ongoing use of observational assessment data to guide instruction.
Five Stars — Highest Quality
Georgia's gold standard. Five-star programs meet the most rigorous standards in every domain — environment, staff education, curriculum, leadership, and family partnership. Many 5-star providers hold national NAEYC accreditation, signifying independently verified excellence.
Why Star Ratings Matter for Parents
Research consistently links higher-quality early care to better outcomes for children.
Brain Development
The first five years are the most critical period for brain development. Higher-quality settings provide the responsive interactions and language-rich environments brains need to grow.
School Readiness
Children in 3-star and above programs enter kindergarten with stronger pre-literacy, math, and social-emotional skills compared to peers in unlicensed or unrated care.
Qualified Teachers
Star ratings require progressively higher teacher education. A more-educated teacher brings better vocabulary, more intentional teaching, and stronger relationship-building skills.
Transparency
Star ratings are publicly posted. As a parent, you can compare providers objectively rather than relying on marketing materials or word of mouth alone.
CAPS Compatibility
Quality Rated daycares are eligible to accept CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) subsidy. Georgia prioritizes subsidy funds toward rated providers, so children on assistance are more likely to access high-quality care.
Accountability
Ratings must be renewed. Providers who slip in quality can lose their stars, which creates a built-in accountability mechanism that a standard license does not provide.
How to Verify a Quality Rated Star
Don't rely on a daycare's marketing materials — check the official rating directly.
Visit DECAL's Website
Go to decal.ga.gov and use the Childcare Search tool. Enter the daycare's name or address. The current star rating (if any) will appear on the provider's profile.
Check CloverMap
CloverMap displays Quality Rated stars on every provider listing. You can filter search results by star level to find only rated daycares in your area.
Ask the Provider
Ask to see their Quality Rated certificate during your tour. Rated providers should have it posted visibly. If a provider claims a rating but DECAL doesn't show it, trust DECAL.
What If They're Not Rated?
Many excellent daycares simply haven't pursued Quality Rated. An unrated daycare isn't necessarily lower quality — ask about teacher qualifications, curriculum, and class sizes directly during your visit.
Ready to Find a Quality Rated Daycare?
CloverMap shows Quality Rated stars on every provider listing across Georgia. Filter by star level, zip code, age group, and more.
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