Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 591 - RULES OF BRIGHT FROM THE START GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CARE AND LEARNING
Here’s a detailed summary of Department 591 – Rules of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, as compiled in the Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia. These rules are current through May 29, 2025 and encompass licensing standards for childcare centers, support centers, and grant programs.
📘 Official Source
A comprehensive PDF of Dept 591 rules is available via the Georgia SOS portal (rules.sos.ga.gov).
A user-friendly version with navigation by chapter and rule is provided by Bright from the Start’s website (en.wikipedia.org).
🗂️ Chapter 591‑1: Child Care Learning Centers
Rule 591‑1‑1‑.01 – Title & Applicability
Covers licensed childcare centers; includes licensing for exempt religious programs .
.02 – Definitions
Defines key terms such as “Department” (Bright from the Start), “Director”, “Employee”, “Fingerprint Records Check” and more (rules.sos.ga.gov).
.03–.05 – Activities, Admission & Animals
State standards for center programming, enrollment procedures, and animals onsite (e.g., vaccinations, supervision) (law.cornell.edu).
.09 – Criminal Records & Background Checks
Requires fingerprint checks and comprehensive records checks. Unsatisfactory results disqualify presence in the facility (rules.sos.ga.gov).
.14 – First Aid & CPR
Staff must have up-to-date first aid and CPR certification (rules.sos.state.ga.us).
.15 – Food Service & Nutrition
Meals/snacks must comply with USDA CACFP guidelines; infant feeding plans require parental consent; infants under 1 cannot be fed honey .
.27 – Posted Notices
Centers must prominently display licensing, inspection, and compliance postings (decal.ga.gov).
.30 – Safe Sleeping & Resting
Infants must use safe sleep practices (e.g., supine position, no loose bedding) .
.31–.33 – Staff Requirements
Staff must be ≥16 years old, complete mandatory orientation/training, and meet required caregiver-to-child ratios (rules.sos.state.ga.us).
.36 – Transportation & .37 – Inspections
Specifies safe transport standards and allows state inspections/investigations .
🧰 Chapter 591‑2: Grant Program Descriptions
Includes multiple federally funded programs administered by DECAL:
Summer Food Service Program & Team Nutrition, including wellness policy grants like Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits and Farm to Preschool (rules.sos.ga.gov).
Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) grants supporting quality care, assistance to low-income families, and provider cost reimbursement (rules.sos.state.ga.us).
Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge: Federal grant aiming to enhance early learning quality for disadvantaged children (law.cornell.edu).
Head Start Collaboration Grant via Bright from the Start, with specific funding periods and contract terms (rules.sos.state.ga.us).
🗓️ Administrative History
Rules are updated quarterly; current text reflects filings through May 29, 2025 (rules.sos.ga.gov).
✅ Summary Table
| Chapter/Rule Range | Subject | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 591‑1‑1‑.01–.05 | Foundations | Purpose, definitions, basic standards |
| .09 | Background Checks | Fingerprints, criminal-screening rules |
| .14 | First Aid/CPR | Mandatory certifications |
| .15 | Nutrition | USDA compliance, infant-specific rules |
| .27 | Posted Notices | Licensing & compliance display |
| .30 | Safe Sleep | Infant sleep safety |
| .31–.33 | Staffing | Age, training, and ratio standards |
| .36–.37 | Transport & Inspections | Transportation safety, oversight authority |
| 591‑2‑1‑.03–.07 | Grant Programs | SFSP, CCDF, RTT-ELC, Head Start programs |
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