Illinois Child Care Information for Providers FAQs

• Q: What Agency Is Responsible For Regulating Child Care?
  A: The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is responsible for enforcing these laws and creating regulations on its own. 877-746-0829 … More
• Q: How Do I Start A Child Care Business?
  A: The first step is to submit a completed application to DCFS. A complete application includes: 1) A completed, signed and dated application for either a; Day Care Home, … More
• Q: What Types Of Child Day Care Programs Does Illinois Regulate?
  A: There are three types of programs. Providers are categorized based on the number of children cared for and the location that the care is provided. If a family home is … More
• Q: Are There Any Child Care Programs Exempt From Regulation In Illinois?
  A: Yes. If all children cared for are 3 years of age or older, and go to either an accredited educational or licensed non-profit religious organization for day care the … More
• Q: What Fees Do I Have To Pay?
  A: Illinois does not charge a fee for applying for or receiving a child day care license.
• Q: Do I Have To Pass A Background Check To Start A Child Care Business?
  A: Yes. Every child care worker, volunteer and resident over 14 of Day Care/Group Day Care Homes must undergo the background check. For Day Care Centers, all workers, and … More
• Q: What Does The Background Check Cover?
  A: Records searched are the state police and FBI for criminal records, a check through the Child Welfare Information System for child support delinquencies and the … More
• Q: How Long After My Application Has Been Submitted Will I Receive My License?
  A: Depending on the type of program you applied for the license will take 2-6 months to be approved. Once the completed application, initial inspection, background checks … More
• Q: How Long Will My License Last?
  A: The license is for 3 years.
• Q: If Denied A License Can I Reapply?
  A: There are no restrictions on reapplying if initially denied a permit/license. If an existing license was revoked or DCFS refused to renew it, you must wait 12 months … More

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