Sick child care in Georgia: what to do when daycare isn't an option
Your child needs more medical attention than a daycare can provide. Here's how Georgia families get in-home nursing coverage through Medicaid.
Why regular daycare doesn't work for medically complex kids
You called five daycares. Two said no immediately. Three said they'd "look into it" and never called back. That's the reality for parents of children with trachs, vents, feeding tubes, or seizure disorders in Georgia. Standard childcare centers don't have nurses on staff, and they're not equipped for the medical tasks your child needs throughout the day.
Medically fragile daycare programs do exist, but Georgia has very few of them. They're concentrated in metro Atlanta, they have waitlists, and they may not match your child's specific needs or your work schedule.
For most Georgia families, the answer is GAPP: in-home nursing paid for by Medicaid. Instead of dropping your child off somewhere, a nurse comes to your house.
How GAPP home nursing works as childcare
GAPP (Georgia Pediatric Program) sends licensed nurses to your home to care for your child while you're at work, sleeping, or handling other responsibilities. It's not labeled as "childcare," but for families with medically complex kids, it solves the same problem.
RN nursing
For kids who need tracheostomy care, ventilator management, IV medications, or other complex medical procedures. The RN handles everything medical while you're away.
LPN nursing
For medication administration, G-tube feedings, wound care, and basic skilled nursing. An LPN works under RN supervision and costs Medicaid less per hour, so you may get more hours approved.
Personal care services (PCS)
For children who need help with bathing, feeding, mobility, and daily routines but don't need a nurse. PCS aides can cover the hours when your child needs supervision and physical help but not medical procedures.
Read more about each service type in our GAPP services guide.
Does your child qualify?
GAPP is for children under 21 with medical conditions that require skilled care at home. Your child needs active Georgia Medicaid and a doctor who will write an order for home nursing.
Common conditions that qualify:
- Tracheostomy or ventilator dependence
- Seizure disorders requiring monitoring
- Feeding tubes (G-tube, NG-tube)
- Cerebral palsy with daily care needs
- Spina bifida or spinal cord conditions
- Chronic respiratory conditions (oxygen dependence, frequent suctioning)
- Post-surgical recovery requiring skilled nursing
If your family earns too much for regular Medicaid, your child may still qualify through Katie Beckett, which looks at the child's disability instead of family income.
Not sure if your child qualifies? Take our 2-minute eligibility screener to find out.
How to get GAPP nursing for your child
Four steps from "I need help" to having a nurse in your home.
Get Medicaid active
Your child needs Georgia Medicaid before anything else. Apply through Georgia Gateway or your local DFCS office. Regular Medicaid takes 30-45 days. Katie Beckett takes 45-90 days. Read our approval timeline guide for details.
Get a physician order
Your child's doctor writes an order specifying what nursing care is needed and how many hours per day. The more specific the documentation, the better your chances of getting the hours you actually need.
Pick a GAPP provider agency
Search by your county in our provider directory. Call 2-3 agencies. Ask if they have nurses available for the shifts you need. The agency handles the prior authorization paperwork with Medicaid.
Nursing starts
Once Medicaid approves the prior auth (usually 2-6 weeks), your agency assigns a nurse. The first visit includes a home assessment and care plan review. After that, your nurse shows up on schedule.
Other childcare options for sick kids in Georgia
GAPP home nursing is the main path for medically complex children, but there are a few other options depending on your situation:
Paid family caregiver through GAPP
In some cases, a family member can get paid to provide care through GAPP. This works well when a parent or relative is already the primary caregiver. Read how it works.
School-based nursing
If your child attends school, the school district may provide a nurse during school hours. For before/after school and weekends, GAPP covers the gap.
Respite care
If you already have GAPP nursing during the week but need weekend or evening coverage, respite hours give you scheduled breaks with a backup nurse.
Long-term care coordination
For children with chronic conditions that will need ongoing support, long-term care options in Georgia include therapy services, durable medical equipment, and transition planning.
Sick child care FAQs
Can a medically fragile child go to regular daycare in Georgia?
What is medically fragile daycare?
Does Medicaid pay for childcare for sick children in Georgia?
What do I do if my child is too sick for daycare but I have to work?
How is GAPP different from hiring a babysitter for a sick child?
Can I get GAPP nursing while my child attends school?
Ready to find a GAPP provider?
Search verified agencies accepting new patients in your county.
This directory is not affiliated with the State of Georgia or the official GAPP program. We help families find providers but are not a state agency.