Georgia child care ratings go public

ATLANTA - Georgia is unveiling its voluntary three-star child care rating system, which offers financial incentives for providers who participate.

The system went live on Monday. Parents can see whether a center is rated by going to www.decal.ga.gov or www.qualityrated.org .

The state is buying supplies for rated centers and giving some money for staff bonuses and lower staff-to-student ratios. As of Monday, star-rated centers also will receive an increase in the state/federal reimbursements they receive for caring for children from lower-income families, something that hasn't happened in years.

The higher the center's rating, the larger the reimbursement the center could receive for each qualifying child.

Star-rated centers will have the following attractions, state officials said:

.Each class has a daily lesson plan, ensuring greater focus on academics;

.Children have 30-plus minutes of daily physical activity;

.Information on staff-to-teacher ratios is readily available to parents;

.The staff is committed to serving more fresh fruits and vegetables.