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Child care center 

Big Blue Marble - Athens

2400 Daniels Bridge Rd., Athens, GA 306064.2· 56 reviews
licensed capacity
255
open each week
5 days
a week, county median
$143

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Big Blue Marble - Athens

Big Blue Marble - Athens is a licensed child care center in Athens, Georgia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 255 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It describes a Play-based and STEM / STEAM approach, with after-school care, before-school care, infant care and preschool.

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning made 8 visits in the last 3 years and cited 26 rules across 3 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsBefore- and after-schoolSummer campSecure entrySTEM / STEAMAccepts child care subsidyOpens before 7 AM

Ages served: infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
Closed today
Licensed capacity
255 children

Hours

Hours

Monday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Tuesday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Thursday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Friday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed
From the state licenseHours it lists: “Monday – Friday 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM”

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license
ProgramsAfter-school care, before-school care, infant care, preschool, summer camp and toddler care
ApproachPlay-based, STEM / STEAM
CurriculumPassport to Learning
EnrichmentWeekly Language Enrichment (Spanish, French, Mandarin)
SafetyProcare app sign in/out Kiosk
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
TransportationTransportation (Before & Aftercare Pickup Locations)
Parent updatesParent app (Procare)
Licensed capacity255 childrenFrom the state license
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

Big Blue Marble - Athens has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Oconee County has a median price of $143 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Oconee County medians, full time, per week

Infant

Center$143
Home daycare$130

Toddler

Center$133
Home daycare$112

Preschool

Center$128
Home daycare$113

School age

Center$70
Home daycare$60

County median full-time prices at centers and home daycares, U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022 (the latest year). Not this daycare's rates; prices have risen since.

State record

Inspection reports for Big Blue Marble - Athens

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Child Care Learning Center license
Capacity
255 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#CCLC-57459
See the state's record

Summary

8 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Sep 17, 2026: 10 rules cited

Rules cited on 4 of 8 visits · 26 rules in all

  • Staff training and qualifications 8
  • Building, equipment and play areas 5
  • Transportation 2
  • Background checks 2
  • Supervision and ratios 2
  • Safe sleep 2
  • Safety and hazards 2
  • Health, medication and illness 1
  • Discipline and child guidance 1
  • Records and paperwork 1

For comparison: 89% of Georgia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 15 visits
  1. Sep 17, 2026Inspection10 rules cited
    • Transportation

      Rule .36(4)(a) - Vehicle Safety Check: (4)(a) Vehicle Safety. Vehicles used for transporting children shall be maintained as follows: Annual Safety Check. Each vehicle shall have a satisfactory annual safety check, completed by a trained individual, of at least: tires, headlights, horn, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, brakes, suspension, exhaust system, steering, windows, windshields and windshield wipers. A copy of a standard inspection report used by the Department or an equivalent shall be kept in the Center or on the vehicle and should include evidence of any repairs and/or replacements that were identified as needed on the inspection report.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .36(3)(a-b) - Transportation Training: (3) Transportation Training. Child Care Learning Centers that provide any type of transportation shall obtain two (2) clock hours of state-approved or state-accepted transportation training, biannually, for the Director and for each Staff person responsible for or who participates in the transportation of children. The training shall include, but is not limited to, a review of the transportation rules, a review of approved transportation forms and procedures, and instruction on the usage and completion of the forms and procedures. This training may be counted as part of the annual training requirements for Staff. (a) The Director and each Staff person who is responsible for or who participates in the transportation of children shall complete two (2) clock hours of state-approved or state-accepted transportation training on or before June 30, 2015 and at least every two years thereafter. (b) Effective July 1, 2015, the Director and each Staff person who will be responsible for or participate in the transportation of children shall have completed two (2) clock hours of state-approved or state-accepted transportation training prior to assuming any duties related to the transportation of children and at least every two years thereafter.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .31(2)(b)2. - Qualifications (Recite-Not Met): 2. Possess at least one of the following sets of minimum academic requirements and qualifying experience at the time of employment.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .26(4) - Fence-playground: Fence or Approved Barriers. Playgrounds shall be protected from traffic or other hazards by a four (4) foot or higher secure fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair (Recite-Not Met): (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(11) - Flooring: (11) Flooring. Floor coverings shall be tight, smooth, free of odors and washable or cleanable.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(2)(b) - First Aid/CPR trained Staff in each classroom: (b) There must always be one staff person present in each classroom where children are present that has current and valid pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric first aid training.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(1)(a) - Training-CPR and First Aid Completed/Verfication (Recite-Not Met): (a) All Staff who provide direct care to children must obtain certification in a biennial training program in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in pediatric first aid within the first 45 days of employment. Current and valid evidence of the successful completion of such training shall be maintained on the Center’s premises. The hours obtained completing this certification will not count towards the required annual training hours.

    • Background checks

      Rule .09(1)(c) - Employee - satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination: (1)(c) A Center must ensure that every Employee has a valid and current satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination on file prior to being present at the Center while any child is present for care or before an individual age 17 or older resides in the Center. The Comprehensive Records Check Determination must have a Records Check Clearance Date that is no older than the preceding 12 months of the hire date; provided, however, if the Employee has had a lapse of employment from the child care industry that lasted for 180 days (6 months) or longer, a new satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination is required.

    • Background checks

      Rule .09(1)(a) - Submit Application and Fingerprints: (1)(a) A Center must ensure that every actual and potential Director, Employee and Provisional Employee of a Child Care Learning Center submit both a Records Check Application to the Department and Fingerprints to an authorized fingerprinting site.

  2. Feb 2, 2026VisitNo rules cited
  3. Jan 14, 2026Complaint investigation9 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(5)(a) - New - Staff training-annual/10 hours: (a) Every calendar year after the first year of employment, all supervisory and caregiver Personnel, except independent contractors, Students-in-Training and volunteers, shall attend ten (10) clock hours of diverse training which is offered by an accredited college, university or vocational program or other Department-approved source.

    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule .32(7) - Supervision-Watchful Oversight: (7) Supervision. Children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .31(2)(b)2. - Qualifications: 2. Possess at least one of the following sets of minimum academic requirements and qualifying experience at the time of employment.

    • Safe sleep

      Rule .30(1)(b)1 - Cot and mat construction: 1. Cot and Mat Construction. Cots and mats shall be of sound construction and of sufficient size to accommodate comfortably the size and weight of the child. Mats must be in good repair, washable, covered with waterproof material and at least two inches (2") thick.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair: (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

    • Safety and hazards

      Rule .25(13) - Indoor Storage-Hazards: (13) Indoor Storage Areas. Potentially hazardous equipment, materials and supplies shall be stored in a locked area inaccessible to children. Examples of items to be stored include non-food related products under pressure in aerosol dispensing cans, flammable and corrosive materials, cleaning supplies, poisons, insecticides, office supplies and industrial-sized or commercial buckets with a capacity of three gallons or more or any other similar device with rigid sides which would not tip over if a toddler fell into the container head first.

    • Health, medication and illness

      Rule .17(7) - Handwashing-Children: (7) Handwashing, Children. Children's hands shall be washed with soap and warm running water: immediately upon arrival for care; when moving from one child care group to another, and upon re-entering the child care area after outside play; before and after eating meals and snacks, handling or touching food, or playing in water; after toileting and diapering, playing in sand, touching animals or pets, and contact with bodily fluids such as, but not limited to, mucus, saliva, vomit or blood; and after contamination by any other means.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(1)(a) - Training-CPR and First Aid Completed/Verfication: (a) All Staff who provide direct care to children must obtain certification in a biennial training program in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in pediatric first aid within the first 45 days of employment. Current and valid evidence of the successful completion of such training shall be maintained on the Center’s premises. The hours obtained completing this certification will not count towards the required annual training hours.

    • Discipline and child guidance

      Rule .03(1) - Activities/teaching methods: (1) The center shall provide a daily planned program of varied and developmentally appropriate activities that promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language and literacy development of each child. Center staff shall use a variety of teaching methods to accommodate the needs of the children’s different learning styles.

  4. Sep 30, 2024Follow-up visitNo rules cited
  5. Aug 22, 2024Follow-up visitNo rules cited
  6. Jul 22, 2024Visit7 rules cited
    • Transportation

      Rule .36(7)(d)2. - Responsible Person checked vehicle - 2nd Check: 2. The second designated Staff person shall conduct a check of the vehicle immediately upon the completion of the first check of the vehicle. The responsible person shall physically walk through the entire vehicle; visually inspect all seat surfaces, under all seats and in all compartments or recesses in the vehicle's interior; and sign the passenger transportation checklist(s), indicating all of the children have exited the vehicle. There shall be continuous watchful oversight of the vehicle between the first check and second check.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(3) - Staff Training-Health and Safety Orientation

    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule .32(7) - Supervision-Watchful Oversight: (7) Supervision. Children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

    • Safe sleep

      Rule .30(1)(b)4 - Cot and mat covers: 4. Covers. A light cover shall be available for each child's use on a cot or mat and shall be marked for individual use or laundered daily. If marked for individual use, they must be laundered weekly or more frequently if needed.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair: (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

    • Safety and hazards

      Rule .25(13) - Indoor Storage-Hazards: (13) Indoor Storage Areas. Potentially hazardous equipment, materials and supplies shall be stored in a locked area inaccessible to children. Examples of items to be stored include non-food related products under pressure in aerosol dispensing cans, flammable and corrosive materials, cleaning supplies, poisons, insecticides, office supplies and industrial-sized or commercial buckets with a capacity of three gallons or more or any other similar device with rigid sides which would not tip over if a toddler fell into the container head first.

    • Records and paperwork

      Rule .24(1) - Personnel Records: (1) A Center must maintain a personnel file on the Director, all Employees, Provisional Employees, Personnel, Staff, Students-in-Training, Volunteers, Clerical, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and other Support Staff for the duration of the term of employment plus one calendar year, and it shall contain the following: identifying information to include: name, date of birth, social security number, current address and current telephone number; employment history; as applicable to the position held: evidence of education and qualifying work experience; evidence of all training required by these rules which shall include: title of training, date of training, trainer's signature, location of training and number of clock hours obtained; a statement completed by the staff member that the information provided is true and accurate; any other records required by these rules; and, as applicable to the position held, evidence of required orientation including date and signature of person providing the orientation;

  7. Jul 22, 2024Visit7 rules cited
    • Transportation

      Rule .36(7)(d)2. - Responsible Person checked vehicle - 2nd Check: 2. The second designated Staff person shall conduct a check of the vehicle immediately upon the completion of the first check of the vehicle. The responsible person shall physically walk through the entire vehicle; visually inspect all seat surfaces, under all seats and in all compartments or recesses in the vehicle's interior; and sign the passenger transportation checklist(s), indicating all of the children have exited the vehicle. There shall be continuous watchful oversight of the vehicle between the first check and second check.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(3) - Staff Training-Health and Safety Orientation

    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule .32(7) - Supervision-Watchful Oversight: (7) Supervision. Children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

    • Safe sleep

      Rule .30(1)(b)4 - Cot and mat covers: 4. Covers. A light cover shall be available for each child's use on a cot or mat and shall be marked for individual use or laundered daily. If marked for individual use, they must be laundered weekly or more frequently if needed.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair: (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

    • Safety and hazards

      Rule .25(13) - Indoor Storage-Hazards: (13) Indoor Storage Areas. Potentially hazardous equipment, materials and supplies shall be stored in a locked area inaccessible to children. Examples of items to be stored include non-food related products under pressure in aerosol dispensing cans, flammable and corrosive materials, cleaning supplies, poisons, insecticides, office supplies and industrial-sized or commercial buckets with a capacity of three gallons or more or any other similar device with rigid sides which would not tip over if a toddler fell into the container head first.

    • Records and paperwork

      Rule .24(1) - Personnel Records: (1) A Center must maintain a personnel file on the Director, all Employees, Provisional Employees, Personnel, Staff, Students-in-Training, Volunteers, Clerical, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and other Support Staff for the duration of the term of employment plus one calendar year, and it shall contain the following: identifying information to include: name, date of birth, social security number, current address and current telephone number; employment history; as applicable to the position held: evidence of education and qualifying work experience; evidence of all training required by these rules which shall include: title of training, date of training, trainer's signature, location of training and number of clock hours obtained; a statement completed by the staff member that the information provided is true and accurate; any other records required by these rules; and, as applicable to the position held, evidence of required orientation including date and signature of person providing the orientation;

  8. Nov 2, 2023VisitNo rules cited
  9. Oct 25, 2023Follow-up visitNo rules cited
  10. Oct 16, 2023VisitNo rules cited
Show 5 earlier visits
  1. Oct 16, 2023VisitNo rules cited
  2. Sep 11, 2023VisitNo rules cited
  3. Aug 29, 2023Follow-up visitNo rules cited
  4. Jun 13, 2023Follow-up visitNo rules cited
  5. Mar 9, 2023InspectionNo rules cited

Copied from Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2022. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Big Blue Marble - Athens

Is Big Blue Marble - Athens licensed?

Yes. Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Big Blue Marble - Athens last inspected?

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning lists the most recent visit on September 17, 2026, with 10 rules cited. It lists 8 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Big Blue Marble - Athens had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 26 rules across 4 of 8 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 89% of Georgia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

How many children can Big Blue Marble - Athens care for?

255, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Does Big Blue Marble - Athens accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are Big Blue Marble - Athens' hours?

Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Big Blue Marble - Athens cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (706) 369-3070 to ask.

What is Big Blue Marble - Athens' phone number?

(706) 369-3070.

Where is Big Blue Marble - Athens?

2400 Daniels Bridge Rd., Athens, GA 30606. The nearest other daycare we list is Appletree Prep Watkinsville, 0.9 miles away.

Sources: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (license and visits) · U.S. Department of Labor, 2022 (county prices).