The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Illinois Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Illinois. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
ILLINOIS Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
406 East Monroe Street, Station 60, Springfield, IL 62701-1498
(217) 785-2688
License renewal is required every three years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
0-14 Mos. |
15-23 Mos. |
2 Years |
3 Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:5 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:10 |
1:20 |
1:20 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
12 |
15 |
16 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
12 |
15 |
16 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
420 sf. |
525 sf. |
560 sf. |
700 sf. |
700 sf. |
700 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- The play area must be enclosed by a 4′ high fence or wall.
- The outdoor play area shall accommodate 25% of the licensed capacity at any one time.
- The outdoor play area shall be arranged so that all areas are visible to staff at all times.
- When resilient materials become packed, they shall be raked and/or turned to restore resilience.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
2 |
Tornado drills shall be conducted twice a year. |
50 |
Classroom areas for reading shall have 50 foot candles of light on the work surface. |
1.5 |
In Infant and Toddler areas, there shall be no objects that are less than one and a half inches in diameter. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Building areas used for child care may be shared by other groups of people outside of the hours of operation. |  |
All new and replacement window coverings shall be cordless. |  |
Major cleaning shall not be done while children are present. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019
Illinois Childcare Licensing Process
Welcome, eager future childcare provider! You’ve taken a crucial step forward in your journey by choosing to learn more about becoming a licensed childcare provider in Illinois. This comprehensive guide is your map to get there, offering a step-by-step approach to understanding the licensing process. Whether you’re a burgeoning daycare owner or a professional nanny, the journey towards obtaining your childcare provider license may seem daunting, yet with a friend like this guide on your side, you’ll find it smooth sailing. Let’s navigate the world of Illinois childcare licensing together! Are you considering a career in childcare in the state of Illinois? Or maybe you have already started your childcare business and now you’re ready to apply for your Childcare Provider License to be fully established and recognized by law? Either way, this complete guide will show you how to navigate through the process of getting licensed. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Understanding the need for a Childcare Provider License in Illinois
First of all, you should clearly understand why exactly you need a Childcare Provider License. In Illinois, like most states, anyone who plans on providing childcare services on a regular basis will need to go through the process of getting licensed. It’s not just a legal requirement but also a proof of your credibility and commitment to quality service delivery. It assures parents that their children are in safe and capable hands.
What does the license guarantee?
By obtaining a Childcare Provider License, you indicate that you commit to following the laws and regulations prescribed by Illinois Childcare Act. This includes maintaining safety and health stands, providing appropriate educational activities, and meeting staffing requirements. In essence, it shows that you are qualified and prepared to care for children in a professional capacity.
How Families Can Check Provider Compliance and Violations
Curious about the reputation of a potential childcare provider? Good news—Illinois makes it easy for families to do their homework. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) offers an online portal where you can review a provider’s licensing history.
On this site, you can:
- Look up whether a childcare provider is currently licensed
- Review any past or current licensing violations
- See details on the nature of violations and what was done to correct them
- Check the current status and expiration date of a provider’s license
Taking a minute to review these reports can help families make informed, confident choices about where their little ones spend their days. It’s a practical step, and a valuable resource for any parent or guardian looking for peace of mind.
The Application Process for a Childcare Provider License
Now that you comprehend the importance of a Childcare Provider License, let’s dive into the process of how to get one in Illinois. This process can be lengthy and detailed, but by following the steps provided and staying consistent, you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed childcare provider.
Application Forms
The first step is downloading and filling out the application forms for licensure. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Illinois provide these forms online. Make sure to provide complete and accurate information on these forms. Here, you’ll provide information about your background, your childcare experience, and the premises where you will be providing the services.
Licensing Standards
You will need to familiarize yourself with and adhere to the Illinois childcare Licensing Standards. These standards are designed to ensure the safety, welfare, and health of children. They include everything from the physical environment and facility, to health and safety precautions, to staff qualifications and child-to-staff ratios.
Training Requirements
In Illinois, prospective childcare providers are required to complete specific training courses. These encompass courses on first aid, CPR, early childhood education and development, as well as a series of training modules specific to the age group they will be working with.
Background Checks
An essential part of the application process involves conducting background checks on all prospective childcare providers, as well as any household members over the age of 13 if you’ll be providing care in your home. This is to ensure the safety of the children under your care.
How Do Background Check Requirements Differ for Licensed vs. License-Exempt Providers?
When it comes to background checks in Illinois, the requirements you’ll face depend on the type of child care provider you plan to be. Licensed child care providers go through a thorough vetting process—think fingerprinting, Illinois State Police checks, FBI criminal background checks, and checks against the state’s child abuse and neglect registries. This applies not just to you, but also to anyone 13 or older living or working in your home or facility who could have access to children.
In contrast, if you’re operating as a license-exempt provider—say, caring for a relative’s kids or serving fewer children in your own home—the background check process is somewhat lighter. While a basic background clearance is still required, you may not be asked to complete the same extensive checks as licensed providers.
In both cases, though, the safety of children is always the top concern. Whether you’re aiming for a full license or operating under an exemption, Illinois takes steps to ensure that everyone entrusted with child care is properly screened.
The Inspection Process
After applying for your license, the next step is an intensive licensing inspection conducted by representatives from DCFS.
Pre-license Inspection
A licensing representative from DCFS will schedule and conduct an inspection of your facility or home before a license can be issued. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure the premises meet all safety and health regulations.
After-license Inspection
Even after you’re awarded your childcare provider license, DCFS will continue to conduct inspections. These regular checks can happen unannounced, so it’s important to ensure you are always in compliance with the regulations.
What’s Included in Illinois Child Care Compliance Reports?
When it comes to choosing a childcare provider in Illinois, knowledge truly is power. Fortunately, transparency is the name of the game. Compliance reports for licensed childcare centers are available to the public and provide a treasure trove of useful details.
Here’s what you can typically find in these reports:
- Violation History: A rundown of any licensing violations the provider may have had, with specifics about what rules were broken—think health, safety, staffing, or facility requirements.
- Corrective Actions: Information about how the provider responded to any violations, including what steps were taken to resolve the issues and bring the program into compliance.
- License Status: The current standing of the facility’s license—whether it’s in good shape, under review, or suspended—and the upcoming license expiration date.
- Inspection Reports: Summaries of both routine and complaint-based inspections, giving you an inside look at how the center measures up during official visits.
Before making your final decision, it’s well worth your while to review these reports. They offer a clear, unbiased view of each program’s commitment to meeting Illinois‘ rigorous childcare standards, so you can select a provider with greater confidence.
Maintaining Your Childcare Provider License
Once you have obtained your license, you need to keep it current.
License Renewal
In general, a Childcare Provider License is valid for a period of three years in Illinois. After this period, you will need to renew your license by providing updated information and passing another round of inspection.
Ongoing Training
Even after you’ve been licensed, continuing education and training may be necessary. This helps you stay updated on the latest best practices and regulations in the childcare industry.
Record Keeping
You will be required to keep records of children under your care. This includes health information, contact information, incident reports, and more.
Stepping into the world of professional childcare is a significant career move and one that can be deeply rewarding. Remember, becoming a childcare provider is about more than opening your doors to children, it’s about offering a safe, nurturing environment that supports their growth and development. And by choosing to become a licensed provider, you’re making a commitment to quality and professional standards.
It’s a journey that requires a significant investment of time and effort, but with this guide at your side, you’re now well-equipped to navigate the path ahead. So, are you ready to get started? Exciting times are ahead as you join the ranks of licensed childcare providers in Illinois!
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
With over 35 years of experience, Rebecca leads the way at Calbert Design Group.. She is dedicated to guiding her clients through the complexities commercial real estate development.
Discover more of her valuable insights and resources at SaveOnBuilding.com , where Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them them from what they don’t know.