How to Get a License for Home Daycare Center in DuPage, Illinois

Many parents agonize about finding a loving daycare for their kids.

Deciding to run your own home daycare is a viable work-at-home business. Many parents decide to start a home daycare to earn extra income and stay at home with their young children. In DuPage County, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Service (IDCFS) approves or rejects all applications for home daycare licensing. Your home daycare center earns a license with careful preparation and proper documentation. Once approved, your home daycare is ready to open for business.

Things You'll Need

• Licensing documents
• Safety equipment

Instructions

1. Visit the IDCFS office to obtain an Application for Home License for home daycare licensing. Check that your home daycare requires a license, as the number of children and combination of ages may allow an exemption for your daycare.

2. Complete and sign the Application for Home License and submit the required supporting documents. These documents include a list of anyone 13 and over working in the daycare or living in the home; authorization for a background check on the applicant and anyone 13 and over in the home; a Child Support Certification; references from three unrelated adults who are not in the home and who can vouch for the applicant's abilities and character; a hazard protection plan listing any hazards inside and outside the home; and a copy of a GED or a high school diploma.

3. Complete at least 15 hours of training for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), shaken baby syndrome and mandated reporter requirements.

4. Prepare for a fire and safety inspection by purchasing and installing a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and outlet covers. Open flames and heaters require a barrier to keep children away from harm. Use gates on staircases or pools to ensure children cannot access these areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact IDCFS in Glen Ellyn at 800 W. Roosevelt Rd., Bldg. D, Suite 10, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 for DuPage County daycare licensing documents. The phone number is [phone].

• Criminal convictions or allegations of abuse or neglect may prevent a home daycare from licensing approval.

References

• Child Care Resource Service: Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes
• State of Illinois DCFS: Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes