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
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|
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
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 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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. |
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Did you know . . .
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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. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019