Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in Illinois?
To start a daycare in Illinois, you need a license from the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), the state's licensing agency since July 1, 2026, if you care for more than three children under age 12, including your own. Choose a day care home, group day care home, or day care center, apply, pass background checks and inspections, and receive a free license valid for three years.
In this guide
Illinois childcare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Day care home | Group day care home | Day care center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 8 children under age 12 with a caregiver alone; up to 12 with an assistant (8 plus 4 school-age children) | Up to 8 with a caregiver alone; 12 with an assistant age 18 or older; up to 16 with two assistants and approved extended capacity | Set by your license, based on space and staffing |
| Where you can operate | Only in the family home where you live | A center building that passes fire and health approval | |
| Minimum age | 18 (caregiver) | 21 (caregiver) | 21 (director) |
| Education | High school diploma, equivalency certificate, or degree | High school diploma or equivalency plus child development experience or coursework | Associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or equivalent coursework (director) |
| Annual training | 15 clock hours of in-service training per licensing year | 15 clock hours of in-service training per licensing year | 15 clock hours per year for the director and each childcare staff member |
| License fee | None | ||
| Permit before license | 2 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| License term | 3 years | ||
Sources: IDEC Child Care Licensure, Illinois Sunshine licensing overview, Section 2007.13, Section 2009.65, and Section 2008.130.
Do I need a childcare license in Illinois?
It depends on how many children you care for and where. The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) became the lead agency for childcare licensing on July 1, 2026, taking over from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Source: IDEC Child Care Licensure.
You must be licensed to care for more than three children under age 12 in your home, and the three include your own children. Your family home is exempt only if you care for no more than three children under age 12 or receive only children from a single household, for less than 24 hours per day. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2005.3(d). In a building that is not a family home, a day care center license is required for more than three children. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2008, Section 2008.45.
A 2026 law (HB 3595) restructures license exemptions. IDEC will implement the new exemption framework by July 1, 2027, and park districts and municipalities have until July 1, 2028. Source: IDEC, June 26, 2026 news release.
What are the three types of childcare licenses in Illinois?
- Day care home. Care in your own family home for up to 8 children under age 12 on your own, or up to 12 with an assistant. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.13.
- Group day care home. Care in your own family home for more than 3 and up to 16 children under age 12, depending on the number of assistants. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2009.5 and 2009.65.
- Day care center. Care for more than 8 children in a family home or more than 3 children in a facility other than a family home, for less than 24 hours per day. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.45.
Day care home and group day care home licenses are only issued in the family home where you live. If you want to use space away from your home, you need a day care center license. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Illinois?
Day care home requirements
- Caregiver. At least 18 years old, with a high school diploma, equivalency certificate, or degree. The primary caregiver must live in the home. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.9 and 2007.6.
- Training. At least 15 hours of pre-service training completed within one year before you apply, with topics such as SIDS, SUID, safe sleep, shaken baby syndrome, and Mandated Reporter Training. After licensing, complete 15 clock hours of in-service training every licensing year. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.4 and 2007.9.
- First aid and CPR. The primary caregiver must be certified in first aid, the Heimlich maneuver, and infant/child CPR. A certified person must be on the premises whenever the home operates. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.9.
- Disabilities training. A Department-approved basic course of 6 or more clock hours on caring for children with disabilities, within 36 months of your initial license. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.9.
- Assistants. Assistants must be at least 14 and at least five years older than the oldest child they supervise, and those under 18 work under the caregiver's direct personal supervision. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.10.
- Substitutes. A substitute caregiver must be at least 18 and may be used up to 25 childcare hours per month plus up to 2 weeks in a 12-month period. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.11.
- Health, testing, and registry. Medical reports for caregivers and household members, a fire safety inspection, radon testing within the last 3 years, lead testing and mitigation when required, and Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.4 and Illinois Sunshine licensing overview.
Day care home capacity
The maximum is 8 children under age 12 with a caregiver alone, including your own children and other children under 12 living in the home. A caregiver alone may care for a mixed group of up to 8 children under 12 with no more than 5 under age 5 and no more than 3 under 24 months, or up to 8 with no more than 6 under age 5 and no more than 2 under 30 months, or 8 school-age children. With an assistant, you may add 4 children who attend school full-time. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.13.
Group day care home requirements
- Caregiver. At least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, plus one of: one year (1,560 clock hours) of child development experience and 6 semester hours of childcare or child development coursework; one year of college credit (30 semester hours) with 6 semester hours of childcare or child development coursework; or an approved credentialing program. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2009.45.
- Training. At least 15 hours of pre-service training within one year before you apply, and 15 clock hours of in-service training per licensing year. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2009.10 and 2009.45.
- Assistants. Full-time assistants must be at least 18. Part-time assistants must be at least 14 and 5 years older than the oldest child they supervise. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2009.50.
- Substitutes. A substitute caregiver must be at least 21 and may be used up to 25 childcare hours per month plus up to 2 weeks in a 12-month period. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2009.55.
- Insurance and coursework. Proof of liability insurance and 6 hours of college coursework in early childhood or child development apply to group day care homes. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview.
Group day care home capacity
A caregiver alone may care for up to 8 children under age 12 (or up to 12 school-age children). A caregiver and one assistant age 18 or older may care for up to 12 children, with no more than 6 under 30 months and no more than 4 of those under 15 months. With two qualified assistants and written approval of extended capacity, the total may reach 16 children. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2009.65.
Day care center requirements
- Director. Centers licensed for more than 50 children need a full-time director on site in a non-teaching capacity. Directors must be at least 21 with a high school diploma or GED. Directors hired on or after July 1, 2017 need an associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or 64 semester hours in any discipline with at least 21 in child development or early childhood coursework plus a Gateways Level I Illinois Director Credential, 3 semester hours in childcare administration, or 3 points of approved administration training. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.130.
- Disabilities training. The director must complete a Department-approved course of 6 or more clock hours on caring for children with disabilities within 36 months of becoming director. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.130.
- Early childhood teachers. At least 19 with a high school diploma or GED, and one of: 60 semester hours of college credit with 6 in childcare or child development; one year of experience plus 30 semester hours with 6 in childcare or child development; or an approved credential such as the CDA or a Gateways ECE or Infant Toddler Credential at Level 3 or higher. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.140.
- Assistants and aides. Early childhood assistants need a high school diploma or GED and work under a teacher's direct supervision. Students and youth aides must be at least 14 and five years older than the oldest child in the group. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.150 and 2008.160.
- Substitutes and volunteers. Substitutes need the same qualifications and a background check as the staff they replace. Volunteers who have regular contact with children or food must present a health report. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.170 and 2008.180.
- Training. The director and every childcare staff member complete 15 clock hours of in-service training per year, join the Gateways to Opportunity Registry within 30 days of hire, and complete Mandated Reporter Training within 30 days of hire. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.100.
- First aid and CPR. At least one staff member who is currently certified in first aid, CPR, and the Heimlich maneuver must be on duty at all times, with CPR certification specific to each age group served. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.100.
- Space. At least 35 square feet of activity area per child for children age 2 and older, at least 25 square feet of play space plus 30 square feet of sleeping space per infant, and at least 75 square feet of outdoor area per child using the play area at one time. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.370 and 2008.390.
- Building approvals. The building must be approved before occupancy and license renewal by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, or local agencies authorized to inspect for them. Infants and toddlers are cared for at ground level unless the Fire Marshal grants an exception. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.370.
Illinois day care center staff-to-child ratios
Illinois sets ratios and maximum group sizes by age. When ages are mixed, the ratio and group size follow the youngest child. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.190.
| Age | Staff-to-child ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (6 weeks through 14 months) | 1:4 | 12 |
| Toddlers (15 through 23 months) | 1:5 | 15 |
| 2 years | 1:8 | 16 |
| 3 years | 1:10 | 20 |
| 4 years | 1:10 | 20 |
| 5 years (preschool) | 1:20 | 20 |
| School-age (kindergartners present) | 1:20 | 30 |
An early childhood teacher aided by an early childhood assistant may supervise up to 30 children if all are at least five years old. See also brightwheel's guide to childcare ratios. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.190.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Illinois?
The process differs for homes and centers. There is no fixed timeline, because it depends on state fire marshal inspections, municipal approvals, background check results, and how well you know the licensing standards. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview.
Day care homes and group day care homes
- Complete the free online orientation. The Department offers a free online orientation for home applicants. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview and DCFS Training orientation.
- Complete pre-service training. Finish at least 15 hours of pre-service training within one year before you apply, including SIDS, SUID, safe sleep, shaken baby syndrome, and Mandated Reporter Training if you will care for infants. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.4 and 2009.10.
- Submit your application. Include the Application for Home License (CFS 597), a list of everyone who will work in the home and household members age 13 and older, background check authorizations, the child support certification, three character references, a written hazard protection plan, your diploma or equivalent, Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership, a radon test from the last 3 years, and lead testing results and mitigation plans when required. Home applicants also submit a medical exam that includes TB, DPT, and MMR. Group day care homes must also show liability insurance and coursework. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.4, 2009.10, and Illinois Sunshine licensing overview. Find forms on the Illinois Sunshine forms page.
- Complete background checks and the fire safety inspection. Everyone age 13 and older living or working in the home is subject to a background check, and everyone 18 and older is fingerprinted. A fire safety inspection must be approved before a permit or license is issued. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview and 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.4.
- Schedule your home visit. After your application is accepted as complete and background check results are received, a licensing representative visits to verify compliance, note safety hazards, set your capacity and areas of use, and explain record keeping. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview.
- Receive your permit and license. You receive a 2-month permit for a day care home or a 6-month permit for a group day care home, with no fee. A license is issued any time during the permit period once you are in compliance, and it is valid for 3 years. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.7, 2009.25, and 2007.6.
Day care centers
- Contact your local licensing office. Orientation is not required but is highly recommended, and you should speak with a licensing representative before you sign a lease or contract. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview.
- Submit a complete application. Only complete applications are processed. Attach articles of incorporation and bylaws (if incorporated), your statement of purposes and policies, a list of officers, board members, and committees, an annual operating budget, a staffing plan, a written delegation of administrative authority, background check authorizations, radon test results from the last 3 years, lead testing results and mitigation plans, a lead safety training certificate, and proof of Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.50.
- Complete the license study. After it receives a complete application, the Department conducts a written license study to determine that the center meets licensing standards. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.50.
- Receive a six-month permit. Before a permit is issued, you need a qualified director who passed the background check, staff certified in first aid and CPR, fire and sanitation clearances, liability insurance, a floor plan, a risk management plan, a program description, and more. The permit is not renewable and has no fee. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.65.
- Receive your license. Your licensing representative monitors the center during the permit period. A license is issued any time within the six months once you meet the standards, and it is valid for three years. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.65 and 2008.60.
Whether you are opening a center or starting a preschool at home, a license is one of your first steps. You will also want to spend time writing a business plan, choosing an inspiring childcare program name, and planning marketing strategies to attract families.
Compare other states in brightwheel's childcare licensing requirements by state, or read our guides for Illinois, childcare centers, small family childcare homes, and large family childcare homes.
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How much does a childcare license cost in Illinois?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Day care home, group day care home, and day care center license | No fee |
| Permit | No fee |
| Full background check (ages 18 and older) | No cost |
| Medical exams and vaccinations, inspections or testing, pet vaccinations, equipment and supplies, and training | Your expense |
The license is free, but there are expenses for medicals and vaccinations, inspections or testing, pet vaccinations, equipment and supplies, training, and other requirements. Centers may also face building costs, such as insufficient space or lead paint. Talk with your licensing office before you sign a lease or contract. Source: Illinois Sunshine licensing overview, 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.60, and 2007.7.
How do I stay compliant with my Illinois childcare license?
- Renew on time. Licenses are valid for three years. Renewal application forms are mailed to you six months before expiration, and you must submit them three months before your license expires. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.55 and 2007.5.
- File a new application when something changes. A center must file a new application for a change of name, address, corporate status, or ownership, submitted 30 days before the change takes effect. A license cannot be transferred to another person or entity. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.55 and 2008.60. Homes follow the same 30-day timing for name, location, or supervising agency changes. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.5.
- Stay within license capacity. The number of children on your license is the maximum in attendance at any one time. Get approval before you change the number or ages of children served. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.60.
- Keep training current. Home and group home caregivers complete 15 clock hours of in-service training every licensing year, and centers require 15 hours per year for the director and each childcare staff member. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.9, 2009.45, and 2008.100.
- Test for radon and lead. Centers test for radon at least once every 3 years and post the report next to the license. Centers serving children under 6 in buildings constructed on or before January 1, 2000 must also test water for lead. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.370.
- Run drills. Centers conduct fire drills once a month and tornado drills twice a year and keep records. Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.370.
- Expect unannounced visits. IDEC licensing representatives make annual unannounced visits to all licensed childcare programs, and monitoring reports are public on the Illinois Sunshine site. Source: IDEC Child Care Licensure. Use our checklist for starting a childcare business to stay organized.
Upcoming change: New licensing law
HB 3595, signed June 26, 2026, changes the terms in the Child Care Act from "day care" to "early care and education" and from "facility" to "provider," effective immediately. It also lets IDEC tie background checks to the individual rather than the provider once the FBI and Illinois State Police approve the process. Source: IDEC, June 26, 2026 news release. Licensing rules and forms still use the older terms, so check IDEC and the Illinois Sunshine site for updates.
Are there grants for childcare providers in Illinois?
Yes. Grants are financial awards from government agencies or private foundations that do not need to be repaid. You can use them for improving facilities, buying equipment or materials, or funding staff professional development. Funding varies by state and changes often, so review the current grants for childcare providers in Illinois to find options that fit your program.
Frequently asked questions
Who licenses childcare programs in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) licenses childcare programs in Illinois. IDEC became the lead agency for childcare licensing on July 1, 2026, taking over from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
How much does it cost to get a childcare license in Illinois?
There is no fee for a childcare license or permit in Illinois, and the full background check for people age 18 and older has no cost. You should still budget for medical exams and vaccinations, inspections or testing, training, and equipment and supplies.
How long is an Illinois childcare license valid?
An Illinois day care home, group day care home, or day care center license is valid for three years. IDEC mails renewal application forms six months before your license expires, and you must submit them three months before expiration.
Can I operate a childcare program from my home in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois offers a day care home license for up to 8 children under age 12 on your own, or up to 12 with an assistant, and a group day care home license for up to 12 children with an assistant or up to 16 with two assistants and approved extended capacity. Both licenses are only issued in the family home where you live.
What background checks are required for Illinois childcare providers?
Everyone age 13 and older who lives or works in a day care home is subject to a background check, and everyone age 18 and older is fingerprinted for a full check. The full check reviews Illinois State Police and FBI records, sex offender registries, and child abuse and neglect records, and it has no cost.
Do I need special training to run a childcare program in Illinois?
Yes. Home caregivers need at least 15 hours of pre-service training before applying and 15 clock hours of in-service training every licensing year, and the primary caregiver must be certified in first aid and infant and child CPR. Centers need 15 hours of in-service training per year for the director and each childcare staff member and at least one staff member certified in first aid and CPR on duty at all times.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in Illinois. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication, and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
