How to Get a Daycare License in Chicago, Illinois
Operators of day care establishments in Chicago that care for three or more children must have two licenses: a City of Chicago day care License and a State of Illinois day care License. Home day care centers that operate in private residences and care for fewer than 16 children do not require the Chicago license, but must still hold an Illinois license. Chicago day care licenses are granted by the Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection division (BACP) and Illinois licenses are granted by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
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Instructions
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Attend a BACP pre-inspection workshop. These workshops are held on the first Wednesday of every month and you can get information on what is required to pass a day care license inspection. It is not a requirement to attend the workshop, but you can get useful information that may save you time in the application process. Contact the BACP at 312-744-6060 for information on workshop locations and times.
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Get a pre-license inspection of your facility. You can request a pre-inspection from the BACP free of charge. A BACP consultant will come to your proposed facility and go over what needs to be done to pass a city day care inspection. You can arrange for a pre-inspection by calling 312-743-1578.
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Apply for a Chicago day care license. You must apply for a license in person at the BACP. You must bring detailed information about your business with you when you apply. This information includes your proof of ownership of the proposed property, your Federal Employer Identification Number and your State of Illinois Business Tax Number. You must also have a criminal background check done for you and other owners of the business. Once your application is filed, you will be contacted about having your facility inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Buildings and Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau. There is also a fee, which ranges from $165 to $275 (as of 2011), depending on the number of children you plan to serve. The BACP recommends that you call in advance to book a license application appointment.
Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
121 N. LaSalle St., City Hall, Room 800
312-744-6249
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Apply for an Illinois day care license. Once you have been granted your Chicago day care license, you must apply for an Illinois license. You must include similar information on your Illinois license application as on your Chicago application. You can request an Illinois day care license application by contacting the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Department of Children and Family Services
Office of Child and Family Policy
406 East Monroe St.
Springfield Illinois 62701
217-524-1983
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