How to Apply for a Day-Care License in Illinois

Day-care licensing assures parents of their children's safety.

Applying for a day-care license in Illinois is a lengthy process. The applicant must first decide what type of day-care facility is being opened, a day-care home, day-care center, or group day-care home, as the procedures for all three differ slightly. Many forms must be completed through the state Department of Children and Family Policy (DCFP), ranging from fire safety checks, emergency evacuation plans, staffing information, and licensing. Applicants should thoroughly read the procedure booklet before applying for a license.

Things You'll Need

• Appropriate DCFP licensing application

Instructions

1. Apply for a license to open a day-care home. The application may be obtained by contacting DCFP. The application must include a list of people working in the day care including household members over the age of 13. Completed and signed background check authorization, child support certification, references, and a written hazard protection plan document. Before mailing completed application to DCFP, make a copy for your records. A supervisor will be assigned to the application case to review materials and follow-up with further instructions.

2. Apply for a license to open a day-care center in Illinois. Contact DCFP to obtain a copy of the licensing application. Complete the application and return to DCFP with the following attached documentation. Articles of incorporation, statement of purpose, budget and staffing plan, delegation of authority statement, and a written list of staff for a background check. Photocopy all documents before mailing for your records. A DCFS staff member will be assigned to the case and review the submitted documentation. That staff member will follow-up with further instructions.

3. Apply for a license to open a group day-care home in Illinois. Contact DCFP to obtain a copy of the licensing application. Complete the application and return to DCFP with the following attached documentation. List of staff working in the facility, signed and dated background check authorizations for staff, documents proving a caregiver is qualified to work in the facility, references and a written hazard protection plan. Photocopy all documents prior to mailing for your records. A DCFP staff member will be assigned to the case and review the submitted documentation. That staff member will follow-up with further instructions.

4. Complete a fire inspection report. Regardless of the type of day-care opening, day-care providers are required to submit a fire safety and evacuation plan to DCFS. DCFS will then complete a fire-safety inspection to complete the documentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Read through the documentation for the type of day care you wish to open thoroughly. There are many documents which must be completed after the application is approved to proceed and meet DCFP standards to receive the license.

• Background checks must be conducted on all staff working in a day-care facility. Opening costs will be incurred by purchasing equipment, books, food, and toys for the facility.

References

• The Daycare Resource Connection: Illinois Daycare
• National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education: Illinois Regulations

Resources

• National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education: il_406.pdf
• National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education: il_407.pdf
• National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education: il_408.pdf