Reviewed November 2026 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.190 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190) · view rule 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.190 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190) 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.13 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 406.13) · view rule 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.13 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 406.13)
Since July 1, 2026, Illinois child care is licensed by the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), which took over from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The law is the Child Care Act of 1969 (225 ILCS 10), and the standards moved unchanged from Title 89 to Title 23 of the Illinois Administrative Code: centers are now Part 2008 (formerly Rule 407), homes Part 2007 (406), group homes Part 2009 (408) and background checks Part 2010 (385). Licenses are free and last 3 years, and compliance reports are still on the DCFS-hosted Sunshine site. 2026 laws add 988 Lifeline posters in centers and a new exemption framework in 2027, and are expected to require a second CPR-certified staff member in centers from 2027, pending a drafting fix.
Licensing agency: Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), Child Care Licensing (Division of Quality and Safety) · public license lookup
Inspection findings public? Yes, the state publishes licensing inspection results.
License types
- Day care center: more than 3 children outside a family home (or more than 8 in one) — 225 ILCS 10; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407)
- Day care home: up to 8 children alone, 12 with an assistant — 225 ILCS 10/2.18; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007 (formerly 406)
- Group day care home: up to 12 children, 16 with extended capacity — 225 ILCS 10/2.20; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2009 (formerly 408)
- License-exempt programs (3 or fewer children, school programs, short drop-in care and others) — 225 ILCS 10/3(d-5); 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2005 (formerly 377)
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Recent and upcoming changes (2026–2027)
2026 was a big year for Illinois child care licensing. On July 1, 2026 the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) took over licensing from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and the licensing rules moved from Title 89 to Title 23 of the Illinois Administrative Code with new Part numbers. The standards themselves were carried over as they were. Several 2026 laws change things further in 2027.
IDEC is the regulator from July 1, 2026
The Department of Early Childhood Act (P.A. 103-0594, signed June 2024) moved child care licensing from DCFS to IDEC on July 1, 2026. IDEC's licensure page lists the rule transfers: exempt programs 89 Ill. Adm. Code 377 → 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2005; the day care information line 378 → 2006; day care homes 406 → 2007; day care centers 407 → 2008; group day care homes 408 → 2009; and the day care subpart of the background check rule 385 → 2010. Section numbers kept their endings, so old Rule 407.190 is now 2008.190. DCFS told providers that, for them, nothing else changes. Your licensing representative, license and Sunshine compliance history carried over.
Licensing redesign law: new names now, new exemptions in 2027
Signed June 26, 2026 and effective July 1, 2026. The Child Care Act now says "early care and education center/home" instead of "day care" and "provider" instead of "facility"; the rules still use the old words for now. The law also creates a new license-exemption structure, including registration as a "Recognized Alternative Provider" for some exempt programs, which IDEC says it will put in place by July 1, 2027 (park districts and municipalities by July 1, 2028), and lets background checks follow the person rather than the program once the FBI and Illinois State Police approve.
Second CPR-certified staff member (effective January 1, 2027, being corrected)
Signed July 24, 2026, effective January 1, 2027. The bill raises the minimum from one to two non-administrative staff on the premises certified in first aid, the Heimlich maneuver and CPR, certified within 90 days of employment. As written, the bill listed day care centers, homes and group homes, but as codified the change sits in Section 7 of the Act, while the day care provision IDEC administers (Section 7.01) still says one. IDEC said on August 3, 2026 that it intends the requirement for centers only and is working with the sponsor to correct the language. Centers should plan for two certified non-administrative staff on site in 2027 and watch for IDEC guidance.
Fingerprint background checks move to IDEC in 2027
Signed July 31, 2026. Starting July 1, 2027, and subject to federal approval, IDEC takes over fingerprint-based criminal history checks for child care providers. Until then the DCFS Background Check Unit keeps processing them. The annual licensing report also notes that since January 1, 2026 (P.A. 103-1072) programs may use a licensed third-party vendor to take fingerprints, at the program's cost.
Director education in statute; interim conditional directors (July 1, 2027)
Signed August 7, 2026, effective July 1, 2027. It writes the center director education requirement into the Act (an associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or 64 semester hours with 21 in related courses plus a director credential, 3 semester hours in administration or 3 credential points) and lets a center hire an "interim conditional child care director" for 12 months while finishing coursework, if the person meets experience and credit conditions. That option is scheduled to end June 30, 2032.
Post the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (January 1, 2027)
Signed August 7, 2026, effective January 1, 2027. Licensed day care centers must post contact information for the 9-8-8 Lifeline in a prominent place that children and staff can see and reach. IDEC must add this to the center rules.
Three years of inspection reports online, including license-exempt programs
IDEC's monitoring-report page says that from August 1, 2026 it posts completed monitoring and inspection reports from the past 3 years for all licensed providers and for license-exempt homes and centers that take Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) payments. License-exempt reports are on the Illinois Cares for Kids website. Licensed providers' reports stay on the Sunshine site.
Who needs a license, and what kind
Illinois licenses three kinds of child care under the Child Care Act of 1969 (225 ILCS 10): day care centers (Part 2008), day care homes (Part 2007) and group day care homes (Part 2009). IDEC's Division of Quality and Safety runs licensing. There is no fee for an Illinois child care license, and licenses last 3 years with at least one unannounced monitoring visit a year. As of June 30, 2026 Illinois had 8,497 licensed programs: 2,839 centers, 4,931 homes and 727 group homes. Note that the rules were recodified without rewording, so a few still mention DCFS or Title 89; IDEC is the agency to contact.
Center, home and group home defined
A center regularly cares for more than 8 children in a family home, or more than 3 children anywhere else. A day care home is a family home caring for more than 3 and up to 12 children under 12, counting the family's own children. A group day care home is a family home caring for more than 3 and up to 16 children. The statute now calls these "early care and education" centers and homes.
Who is exempt
Exempt from licensing: care in a home for no more than 3 children under 12 (counting your own), or up to 6 if all are from one household; you must tell parents you operate under an exemption. Other exemptions cover short drop-in care while parents stay on the premises, single-skill classes and many school-operated programs for children 3 and older. Part 2005 sets the conditions; IDEC reviews exemption requests (1,167 in FY 2026, 1,052 granted). The new exemption framework under P.A. 104-0480 is due by July 1, 2027.
Permits and 3-year licenses
A new center can get one 6-month permit to show it can comply before a full license; a new home gets one 2-month permit. Licenses are valid for 3 years, cost nothing, can't be transferred and are only good for the name and address on them. Display the current license. The licensed capacity is the most children allowed at one time, and you may not expand or raise capacity while out of compliance. During permits, licensors visit at least monthly.
Renew on time
The renewal application is mailed to you 6 months before your license expires and is "timely" if it reaches IDEC 3 months before expiration. A change of name, address, corporate status or ownership needs a new application 30 days before the change. A license that expires before you apply can't be renewed; you have to apply as new, with a gap in licensure. Homes and group homes have the same 3-year term (Sections 2007.6 and 2009.20).
Ads must show your license number; operating unlicensed is a crime
Every advertisement must include your IDEC license number, and you may only advertise services you are licensed for. Operating without a license is a Class A misdemeanor. Continuing to operate after revocation or refused renewal is a business offense with a fine over $500 and up to $10,000 per day.
Post the full standards and give parents the summary
Keep a complete current set of the licensing standards posted in a common area so every employee can read them, have all employees review them and document that review. Give each family IDEC's summary of the licensing standards at enrollment and keep a signed record that they received it.
Staff-to-child ratios
Center ratios are in 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.190 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190). Homes don't use a ratio table; instead the rules cap how many children of each age one caregiver may have, counting the caregiver's own children under 12.
Center ratios and group sizes
Infants (6 weeks–14 months) 1:4, group of 12. Toddlers (15–23 months) 1:5, group of 15. Two-year-olds 1:8, group of 16. Three-year-olds 1:10, group of 20. Four-year-olds 1:10, group of 20. Five-year-olds (preschool) 1:20, group of 20. School-age 1:20, group of 30. An early childhood teacher with an assistant may have up to 30 children if all are at least 5. Children may never be left unattended.
SafePass tip: SafePass shows a live count for each room: children checked in against staff clocked in, with an alert to directors when a room goes over ratio. Set each room's ratio to the Illinois number for that room. SafePass's built-in defaults are not Illinois's, and SafePass does not apply Illinois's rule that the youngest child in a mixed group sets the ratio, so set mixed rooms to the youngest age's ratio yourself.
Mixed-age groups follow the youngest child
Infants, toddlers and 2-year-olds may be combined; 2- to 5-year-olds may be mixed; 4- to 6-year-olds may be mixed; and all ages may be combined during the first and last hour in programs open 10 or more hours a day. In any mixed group, the ratio and group size are set by the youngest child present.
Nap time and assistant-only coverage
During naps, groups of children 2 and older may be directly supervised by 50% of the required staff, as long as the full ratio is on the premises; infants and toddlers keep full staffing in the room. When all children are 2 or older, an assistant aged 18+ may supervise a room alone for no more than 3 hours a day (and not most of the day). For under-2 rooms, an assistant 18+ with one year of licensed child care experience and the state's Health and Safety Basics training may cover up to 3 hours.
Day care home capacity
A caregiver alone may have up to 8 children under 12 (including their own), in one of these mixes: up to 5 under age 5 with no more than 3 under 24 months; or up to 6 under age 5 with no more than 2 under 30 months; or 8 school-age children. With an assistant under 18, the home may add 4 children who attend school full-time (12 total), or instead care for 8 children under 5 with up to 5 under 24 months. With an assistant 18 or older, it may care for 8 children under 5 (up to 5 under 24 months) and also 4 full-time school children. Night care is limited to 8. A sibling who would put you over the age mix needs an approved transition plan (6 months maximum).
SafePass tip: SafePass Kiosk check-ins give you a running count of who is in care right now, by child and age. Add your own children under 12 as enrolled children if you want them in the count.
Group day care home capacity
A caregiver alone follows the same mixes as a day care home (or up to 8 preschoolers with none under 3, or 12 school-age children). A caregiver plus one qualified assistant 18 or older may have up to 12 children: either 12 children aged 3 to 6, or a mix with no more than 6 under 30 months, of whom no more than 4 are under 15 months. With two qualified assistants and written approval, capacity can go to 16 (4 more school-age children, or 2 children 30 months+ and 2 school-age). Night care is limited to 12.
Group size and space
Maximum group sizes for centers are in the ratio table above. Space minimums apply indoors and out.
Indoor space
At least 35 square feet of activity area per child for children 2 and older. Infants need 25 square feet of play space plus 30 of sleeping space each, with 2 feet between cribs. Toddlers need 35 square feet if they play and sleep in the same room on stacking cots, 55 square feet if they sleep in cribs in the play room, or 35 play plus 30 sleep in separate rooms. Infants and toddlers are housed at ground level unless the fire authority grants an exception.
Outdoor play area
At least 75 square feet of safe outdoor area per child for the number of children using it at one time. Equipment must be free of sharp points, splinters, protruding bolts, loose or rusty parts and lead paint; sandboxes under 100 square feet are covered when not in use.
Director and staff qualifications
Illinois sets education levels by role. Staff working with children must join the Gateways to Opportunity Registry within 30 days of hire, and their credentials are verified there.
Center director
At least 21 with a high school diploma or GED. Directors hired since July 1, 2017 need an associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or 64 semester hours (21 in child development, ECE or early childhood special education) plus a Gateways Level I Director Credential, 3 semester hours in child care administration, or 3 points of approved administration training. Centers licensed for more than 50 children need a full-time director on site in a non-teaching role (except in the first and last hour, or when attendance is under 50). A director must finish a 6-hour course on caring for children with disabilities within 36 months and submit a lead safety training certificate.
SafePass tip: SafePass staff profiles store certifications and documents with expiration dates, so credentials, Gateways Registry proof and training certificates are in one place for your licensing representative.
When the director is off site
Designate a staff member who qualifies as a director to make decisions whenever the director is away, and record that in their personnel file. Through June 30, 2029, a long-time early childhood teacher (2,880 hours at your center) may open and close in the first and last hour. A center must also have someone on site at all times with an associate degree in child development/ECE or the equivalent (unless the director holds a Montessori credential).
Early childhood teachers and school-age workers
At least 19 with a high school diploma or GED, plus one of: 60 semester hours with 6 in child development; one year (1,560 hours) of experience plus 30 semester hours with 6 in child development; or a CDA, CCP, or Gateways ECE or Infant Toddler Credential Level 3+. Centers may hire Interim Conditional Early Childhood Teachers who hold a Gateways Level 1 credential while finishing, but they may not be more than 40% of teachers and parents must be told. School-age workers must be at least 5 years older than the oldest child.
Assistants
Early childhood and school-age assistants need a high school diploma or GED and work under a teacher's or school-age worker's direct supervision, except for the limited assistant-only periods the rules allow.
Home caregivers and assistants
Day care home caregivers must be at least 18; those licensed after January 1, 2011 need a high school diploma or equivalent. The licensee must be home whenever children are present unless a qualified substitute is there, may not work outside the home during licensed hours, and must be awake and alert. Assistants must be at least 14 and 5 years older than the oldest child they supervise; under-18 assistants work within sight or hearing of the caregiver.
Group day care home caregiver
At least 21 with a high school diploma or GED, plus one year (1,560 hours) of child development experience with 6 semester hours in child care or child development, or 30 semester hours with 6 in those fields, or an approved credential. The caregiver or a qualified designated assistant must be at the home whenever it is open.
Background checks
The background check rules moved from 89 Ill. Adm. Code 385 to 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2010 on July 1, 2026, but the DCFS Background Check Unit still processes fingerprint checks until IDEC takes over (planned July 1, 2027 under P.A. 104-0692).
Who is checked and what is checked
A comprehensive check covers license applicants, center directors and other operators, every employee and volunteer 18 or older, employees and volunteers aged 14–17 (with parent consent), adults living in a day care home or group home, contracted workers with access to children, and interns. It includes Illinois State Police and FBI fingerprints, the DCFS State Central Register (child abuse and neglect), the Illinois and national sex offender registries, and criminal, abuse and sex offender registries in every state lived in during the past 5 years. Household members aged 13–17 get a name-based partial check.
SafePass tip: SafePass stores each staff member's background check date and flags checks more than five years old on the Compliance page. It is not connected to the Illinois background check system, so keep the clearance results in your confidential file.
Every 5 years, finished within 45 days
The comprehensive check is repeated at least every 5 years, and checks are to be completed in 45 days or less. Keep authorizations and results in a separate, locked, confidential file (Section 2008.120(b)).
SafePass tip: SafePass flags staff whose recorded background check date is more than five years old.
Starting work before results come back
Federal and state law allow probationary employment while checks are pending. In homes, a new employee may start conditionally but may not be alone with children until the initial results arrive. The DCFS annual report describes the center practice: the provisional employee starts after the fingerprint check is submitted and works under supervision of fully cleared staff.
Staff vaccines (Tdap and MMR)
No one may work at a child care facility that cares for children 6 and under without proof of one dose of Tdap and two doses of MMR (or proof of MMR immunity).
SafePass tip: SafePass staff profiles can hold uploaded documents with dates, such as vaccine records.
Training, first aid and CPR
Illinois requires 15 clock hours of in-service training a year in every setting, plus specific courses on a set schedule.
Center staff: 15 hours a year and required courses
The director and every child care staff member complete 15 clock hours of in-service training a year, recorded on site. Within 30 days of hire: Gateways Registry membership, the state's online Mandated Reporter Training, and (if you serve infants) SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome training. Every 3 years, staff in infant programs repeat training on SUID, SIDS and the American Academy of Pediatrics safe-sleep recommendations. Under the statute, staff also take a social-emotional learning, infant mental health, trauma or ACEs course at least once every 3 years.
SafePass tip: SafePass keeps dated training records in each staff profile, so you can see who still needs a course and when certifications expire.
Home providers: 15 hours before and 15 hours a year
Applicants for a day care home license must complete at least 15 hours of pre-service training within a year before applying, including Mandated Reporter Training and, if caring for infants, SIDS, SUID, safe sleep and Shaken Baby Syndrome; plus a lead safety training certificate. After licensing, caregivers complete 15 clock hours each licensing year and may carry up to 5 extra hours forward. A 6-hour course on caring for children with disabilities is due within 36 months of the first license. Group home caregivers have the same 15-hour annual requirement and must also give assistants 15 hours a year (Section 2009.45).
SafePass tip: SafePass tracks each staff certification's expiration date. Staff get a reminder 30 days out, and directors are alerted when one expires.
First aid and CPR on site at all times
At least one staff member certified in first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver must be on the premises whenever the program is open. Center CPR must cover every age group served (infant, child, adult), and infant programs need infant-choking first aid. In homes, the licensee must hold first aid, Heimlich and infant/child CPR certification. See Recent changes: P.A. 104-0583 raises this to two non-administrative certified staff from January 1, 2027, at least for centers.
SafePass tip: SafePass tracks each staff certification's expiration date. Staff get a reminder 30 days out, and directors are alerted when one expires.
Anaphylaxis plan and trained staff
Every licensed center, home and group home must have a plan, based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidance, for preventing and responding to anaphylaxis, share it with parents at enrollment, keep and follow any child's specific treatment plan, and have at least one staff member present at all times who has completed training on recognizing and responding to anaphylaxis.
SafePass tip: SafePass registration packets collect allergies and medical notes, and they show on the child's profile for staff.
Supervision, health and safety
Illinois's health rules focus on daily illness screening, exclusion for specific conditions and prompt reporting of injuries.
Daily illness screening and exclusion
Staff screen each child for obvious signs of illness on arrival. Children with diarrhea, or a rash with fever (101°F oral, 100°F under the arm), may not attend. Centers must also exclude for vomiting twice in 24 hours, strep throat until 24 hours on treatment and fever-free, pink eye or impetigo until 24 hours on treatment, lice or scabies until the morning after first treatment, chickenpox until 6 days after the rash began, and other listed conditions. Keep an ill child in a supervised space with a cot, and report communicable diseases to the local health department.
SafePass tip: SafePass can run an optional health check at check-in (temperature and symptoms) and notifies directors and parents when a child doesn't pass.
Report serious injuries, deaths and missing children
Centers: any accident or injury that needs professional medical care, a death or other emergency is recorded in the child's file and reported orally right away to the parent and the licensing office, then confirmed in writing within 2 business days. Homes and group homes: call the licensing agency immediately, and follow up in writing within a week, for a death, an injury needing emergency medical care, a missing child or legal action against the home.
SafePass tip: SafePass incident reports record what happened, the action taken and first aid, notify the parent, and capture the parent's e-signature. Calling your licensing representative is still up to you.
Accident and incident records
Record every major and minor accident or illness in the child's file and notify the parents. The person responsible for the child at the time writes the incident report with the time, place and how it happened; when medical care was needed, include the treating physician's signed statement.
SafePass tip: SafePass incident reports keep the time, details and first aid given, with the parent's e-signature.
Every staff member is a mandated reporter
Child care staff must report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to the DCFS hotline, 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873). Each employee signs a statement acknowledging mandated-reporter status before starting work, and completes the state's online Mandated Reporter Training.
Facility, furniture, equipment and hazards
Illinois is unusual in requiring radon testing and, for older buildings, lead-in-water testing. The center rule has no general requirement to anchor furniture or TVs; the only anchoring rule is for portable fans on stands.
Hazards inside the building
New and replacement window coverings must be cordless, and any cord that can form a loop larger than 7¼ inches must be out of children's reach. Electrical outlets within reach are covered. Wall fans are mounted at least 5 feet up; portable fans on stands are anchored so they can't tip. No toxic or lead paint on anything children can reach, peeling paint is repaired promptly, radiators and heaters are out of reach or screened off, and chemicals are labeled in original containers and locked away. No smoking or tobacco anywhere in the center or near children. Infant and toddler rooms may not use extension cords (2008.210).
Radon testing every 3 years
Licensed centers, homes and group homes must be tested for radon by a licensed radon professional at least every 3 years, and the latest results must be posted next to the license with the state's required notice to parents. Homes must submit proof with new and renewal applications.
Lead in drinking water
Programs serving children under 6 in buildings built on or before January 1, 2000 must have drinking water tested by an IEPA-certified lab. Post all results (whatever the level) where families can see them and send them to your licensing office. Any outlet at 2.01 parts per billion or higher needs a mitigation plan, shared with parents and submitted within 120 days. Directors and home licensees also submit a lead safety training certificate.
Firearms, pools and hazards in homes
Firearms are not allowed on center premises except with peace officers. In a home, any firearm (other than an officer's handgun) must be stored disassembled, unloaded and locked, with ammunition locked separately; parents must be told firearms are stored there; and a "no firearms" sign must be posted where parents pick up. In-ground pools in areas children can reach must be fenced. Home applicants also submit a written hazard protection plan covering things like traffic, water, open stairwells and neighborhood dogs.
Equipment and first aid kits
Furniture and equipment are sized for the children and kept in good repair; padded furniture must meet the state furniture fire safety rules. Keep a first aid kit on site, a travel kit for outings, a kit on each floor or area, and gloves and bandages in each classroom. Centers are not required to have a fire extinguisher, but any they install must be tagged and maintained by a licensed company.
Fire safety, drills and emergency plans
Drill frequency differs by setting: centers hold fire drills monthly and tornado drills twice a year, while homes and group homes hold both every month.
Center drills and risk management plan
Post a floor plan in every room showing the safest tornado shelter areas and the primary and secondary fire exits. Hold a fire drill once a month and a tornado drill twice a year, and record the date and time of each. The center's written risk management plan must cover emergency and disaster preparedness (including fire drills and evacuation) and how you get severe-weather alerts, and all staff are trained on it. Post emergency numbers and the center's full address next to each phone.
SafePass tip: SafePass's checked-in list shows who is in care right now, which is the attendance record you take out the door. SafePass does not keep a fire drill log.
Home emergency plans and monthly drills
Homes need written plans for fire, tornado and other emergencies: exits and routes from each child care area, an outside meeting place and an indoor holding spot, evacuating children before calling 911, tornado safe spots, how parents will be notified and reunited, and how to evacuate children under 30 months or with special needs. Hold fire drills and tornado drills monthly, keep drill records for 3 years, do a monthly fire safety inspection (kept 1 year) and log daily checks that exit routes are clear.
SafePass tip: SafePass parent messaging and announcements can reach every family at once during an evacuation or reunification. Drill logs are not kept in SafePass.
Daily list ready for evacuation
The daily list of children in care must be readily accessible during emergency evacuations and fire drills.
SafePass tip: The SafePass checked-in list is available on staff devices for a quick headcount.
Medication
Illinois lets programs give prescription and over-the-counter medicine with written parent permission and a dosing record.
Giving medication in centers
Have a written medication policy. Accept medicine only in its original container: prescriptions with the full pharmacy label, over-the-counter medicine labeled with the child's first and last name. A designated staff member gives and documents medication. Prescriptions need the physician's direction and the parent's release; over-the-counter medicine needs written parent permission and follows the label. Record the date, time, dose, prescription number and who gave it. Lock all medicine away in a container used only for medicine, out of children's reach and not in food areas unless in a locked box in the fridge. Sunscreen, diaper cream and insect repellent need the parent's written approval.
SafePass tip: SafePass collects the parent's signed medication request electronically, staff approve it, and each dose is logged with the time, amount and staff name.
Giving medication in homes
Give medicine only with the parent's signed permission and written instructions. Prescription labels must show the child's and doctor's names, pharmacy, prescription number, date and directions. Over-the-counter medicine needs written permission stating duration and frequency. Record dates, times and doses, and return or destroy medicine that is no longer needed or expired.
SafePass tip: SafePass logs each dose with the time, amount and staff name, and parents are notified.
Immunizations and health exams
Children need a physician's medical report with Illinois Department of Public Health immunizations before they start.
Child medical report and immunizations
Each child needs a medical report on the state form dated within 6 months before enrollment (school-age children may use their latest school physical); it is valid for 2 years. It must show the immunizations required by IDPH rules (77 Ill. Adm. Code 695): polio, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hib, hepatitis B and varicella, or proof of immunity. Children 1 to 6 (6 months to 6 years in homes) need lead screening or a lead risk assessment. Religious objections must be in writing, signed by the parent; medical exceptions are noted by the physician. Centers keep a list of non-immunized children and tell parents how many there are if asked.
SafePass tip: SafePass lets parents upload vaccine records. Staff verify them, and the dashboard lists overdue and due-soon doses, with an exemption field.
Staff health exams
New center staff submit a physical done within 6 months before starting, including a Mantoux TB test, and repeat it every 2 years. In homes, caregivers, assistants, regular substitutes and household members have a physical (TB test on the first exam only), valid for 3 years.
Hearing and vision screening
Centers must make sure annual hearing and vision screening is provided under IDPH's screening codes.
Food and nutrition
Centers provide almost all food. Meals depend on how many hours a child is in care.
Center meals and menus
Centers provide the food (parents may supply infant food or special diets). Food service is managed by a state-certified food service manager. Plan menus at least a week ahead, post them where parents can see them, correct them when you substitute, and keep corrected menus for a year. From October through May the main meal must be hot except twice a month at most. Children get one-third to two-thirds of their daily needs depending on hours in care. Water is freely available.
SafePass tip: SafePass weekly menus and meal logs show parents what was served and how much their child ate.
Infant feeding
Hold infants for bottle feeding; no propped bottles and no bottles in cribs. Never warm bottles in a microwave. Label and date bottles; discard leftover milk after 2 hours and prepared formula after 24 hours; breast milk keeps 48 hours refrigerated or 2 weeks frozen. No juice before 12 months (then only 100% juice, 4 ounces a day), no honey, and no choking foods such as whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn or raw carrots for children under 2. Record what and when each infant ate and share it with parents.
SafePass tip: SafePass daily logs can record each feeding for parents to see.
Meals in homes
Children 1 and older here 2 to 5 hours get a mid-session snack; 5 to 10 hours, at least one-third of daily needs including a balanced meal; over 10 hours, at least two-thirds.
Safe sleep
Illinois's safe-sleep rules are the same in centers and homes. The rules do not set a timed sleep-check interval.
Back to sleep, nothing soft in the crib
Put infants down on their backs. A different position needs a physician's signed instructions. An infant who can roll both ways may stay in the position they choose; one who can't, found face down, is turned onto their back. Never put an infant to sleep on a sofa, soft mattress, car seat or swing. No bumpers, pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys or positioners in cribs (positioners only with a doctor's written order). Awake infants get supervised tummy time.
SafePass tip: SafePass nap logs record when each child went down and woke up, and parents see them. SafePass does not run timed sleep-check logs.
Cribs, cots and nap time in centers
Infants sleep in cribs that meet federal crib standards (16 CFR 1219/1220), with a firm mattress at least 2 inches thick, no more than a half-inch gap and slats no more than 2⅜ inches apart; one crib per licensed infant space. Each toddler and preschooler here 5+ hours gets a labeled cot or bed. Children under 6 here 5 or more hours get a rest period; 3-year-olds and up nap no more than 2 hours and those who don't sleep can get up after resting. Rooms are dim, not dark. Cribs are cleaned twice a week and cots weekly.
SafePass tip: SafePass nap logs record nap start and end times.
Discipline and guidance
Illinois bans expulsion for challenging behavior in licensed programs (225 ILCS 10/5.10) and limits time-out.
Center guidance and discipline policy
Write a guidance and discipline policy that staff sign when hired and parents sign at enrollment, including behavior support and transition policies. Expelling a child because of a pattern of challenging behavior is prohibited; a planned transition to a better-suited program is not an expulsion, but it needs a plan with the family and notice to IDEC. Time away from the group can't exceed one minute per year of age and is not used under 24 months. Prohibited: corporal punishment, withholding food, rest or the bathroom, abusive or profane language, humiliation, emotional abuse, imposing physical activity or withholding active play as punishment, and punishing toilet accidents.
SafePass tip: SafePass incident reports and parent messaging give you a dated record of behavior notes shared with families.
Discipline in homes
The same limits apply in homes: expulsion for a repeated pattern of challenging behavior is prohibited, time-out is limited to one minute per year of age and not used under 24 months, and corporal punishment (including excessive exercise or exposure to extreme temperatures) is banned.
Records
Keep records at the program and available for your licensing representative.
Child enrollment records
Each child's file has a parent-signed enrollment application (birth date, schedule, parents' home and work contacts, physician, everyone authorized to pick up on a primary list and a contingency list, emergency contacts, and health and development information), signed consents for trips, emergency care, photos, transportation and swimming, and the medical report. Within 30 days of enrollment the parent must show a certified birth certificate or other proof of identity; if not, you must notify the Illinois State Police or local police.
SafePass tip: SafePass registration packets collect guardians, emergency contacts, authorized pickups, physician and allergy information, with a parent signature.
Personnel files
A locked confidential file for each staff member: the state employment form, current medical exam, three verified written references, proof of education (with an equivalency statement for foreign credentials), verification of experience and a signed mandated reporter acknowledgment. Background check authorizations and results go in a separate confidential file. Tell IDEC by the next business day when the director changes, and report other staff changes monthly.
SafePass tip: SafePass staff profiles hold certifications, training records and the background check date for each person.
How long to keep records
Keep general and financial records 5 years, personnel records 5 years after the employee leaves, children's records 5 years after discharge, and daily attendance records by group for 1 year (longer if an audit or litigation is pending). Centers also carry at least $300,000 per-occurrence liability insurance.
SafePass tip: SafePass keeps records with dates and times, and it exports attendance reports as PDF for a licensor.
Post violations until they are fixed (homes)
When a licensed day care home is cited for substantiated violations, it must post the list of violations and the corrective plan prominently in the home, on the agency's form, until the licensing representative confirms in writing that every violation is corrected.
Attendance and release of children
Illinois requires a log that shows who is present at any moment and a signed record of who took each child home.
Attendance log and 12-hour limit
Keep a daily attendance log that always shows how many children are present. A child may not stay more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period unless the parent confirms in writing that their work or training schedule requires it.
SafePass tip: SafePass Kiosk records each check-in and check-out with a timestamp, so you can see who is present at any moment, and it exports attendance reports as PDF.
Releasing children
Release a child only to a person the parent has authorized. Anyone staff don't know must show a photo ID. When a child goes to someone on the contingency list, record the person's name and the date and time. Note each child's departure time on the daily departure log, initialed or signed by the person picking up. School-age children may leave alone only with the parent's written authorization covering time, transportation and what happens if they don't return.
SafePass tip: At check-out, SafePass shows staff the child's guardians and authorized pickups, with photos, and records who picked the child up and when. Staff still check the person's photo ID.
Release and late pickup in homes
Homes release children only to parents or people named in writing, require photo ID from strangers, keep primary and contingency pickup lists, and record the name, date, time and manner for any contingency release. Every center and home must have a written late-pickup policy, signed by the parent, covering late fees, how hard you'll try to reach emergency contacts and when you'll call the police or the abuse hotline.
SafePass tip: SafePass authorized pickup lists with photos are on the check-out screen, and every release is timestamped.
Transportation and field trips
Centers that transport children need approved drivers and must check the vehicle after every trip.
Center drivers
Drivers must be 21 or older, have held a license without revocation or suspension for 3 years, pass a medical exam, have no more than 2 moving violations in 12 months, and have no reckless driving, DUI or vehicular homicide conviction in 3 years. Submit a driver application and medical form for anyone who drives regularly. A school bus driver permit holder employed by a school district is deemed to qualify.
Vehicle ratios, restraints and the child-left-behind check
A driver alone may transport 2 infants, 3 toddlers, 8 children aged 2 to 5, or 10 aged 3 to 5; add an adult for each extra group. Use federally approved age-appropriate restraints in vehicles under 10,000 pounds, one child per belt. Inspect the vehicle before use each day and after every use to make sure no child is left in it. Carry a first aid kit and a written emergency plan, keep doors locked while moving and keep a written route plan.
SafePass tip: SafePass does not keep transportation or vehicle check logs; use the checked-in list to confirm every child arrived.
Transportation by homes
Homes keep their capacity limits in the car, drivers are 18+ with the right license, every child is buckled in an approved restraint, no child is left unattended in the vehicle, and proof of liability insurance is kept on file. Parents give written consent for transportation (2007.24).
Inspections and enforcement
IDEC licensing representatives make at least one unannounced visit to every licensed program each year, and monthly visits during a permit. Illinois licensing cannot fine providers for rule violations; the state relies on correction plans and, in serious cases, conditional licenses, revocation or closure. In FY 2026 (July 2025–June 2026) the Department received 1,632 complaints (967 licensing-only, 499 that also involved an abuse or neglect investigation, and 166 about unlicensed care), and statewide it reported 2 deaths, 228 injuries and 201 indicated abuse or neglect findings in licensed programs.
Unannounced monitoring
Every licensed program is monitored at least once a year, usually unannounced, and permit holders at least monthly. There's also a visit within 60 days of a first license and a full re-examination at each 3-year renewal, which may include parent surveys. Programs with a strong history may get the shorter "key indicators" review. You must let the representative into any part of the premises. The enforcement procedures rule, Part 383, is still a DCFS rule in Title 89 and was not on IDEC's transfer list; check with IDEC on how it applies.
SafePass tip: SafePass attendance, incident and medication records can be pulled up on a tablet during a visit.
Correction plans
When a violation is substantiated and can be fixed within 90 days, you agree a correction plan with your representative (extendable in 30-day steps for good cause). Sunshine shows each violation's status (pending, substantiated, corrected, repeat). Failing to submit or follow a plan can lead to further enforcement.
Conditional licenses and closure orders
IDEC may issue a non-renewable 6-month conditional license when there is no threat to children's safety and an approved correction plan exists; failure to correct leads to revocation. If continued operation endangers children, IDEC issues an order of closure effective immediately and starts revocation within 10 working days. A closed program may not reopen while the decision is under review, except by court order.
Contesting a violation or sanction
Disputes start informally with your licensing supervisor; revocation and refusal to renew carry a right to a hearing.
Supervisory review of a cited violation
Every citation letter offers a supervisory review. Ask for one if you think the violation wasn't supported or the rule was misapplied; it must be held within 30 days of your request, and the supervisor can uphold, change or overturn the violation and must give you a written report. Few providers use it: 29 requests out of 3,585 offers in FY 2026.
Hearing before revocation or refusal to renew
IDEC must notify you by registered mail before revoking or refusing to renew a license. You have 10 days from the postmark to ask in writing for a public hearing and for a written statement of charges. The hearing is held within 30 days, with at least 15 days' notice; you may bring a lawyer, witnesses and evidence. If you don't ask in time, the action takes effect.
Court review and reapplying
Final decisions can be appealed to circuit court under the Administrative Review Law. After a revocation or refused renewal, a program can't reapply for 12 months.
Most common citations
Period: State fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
How it was counted: These are official aggregate figures, not our own count. Illinois sends a citation letter offering a supervisory review every time a licensee is cited for one or more violations at a visit, so the report's count of reviews offered (3,585) is the number of citation events, not the number of violations; the same program can be counted several times. The report does not break citations down by rule or topic, and the Sunshine site shows reports one provider at a time with no bulk download, so we could not rank the most-cited standards. Shares are of the 3,585 citation events. Licensed totals on June 30, 2026: 2,839 centers, 4,931 homes, 727 group homes.
| Topic | Citations | Share of citations | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day care centers: citation events (visits or complaints with at least one cited violation) | 1,816 | 50.7% | Do a monthly self-check against Part 2008 using the free checklist: room-by-room ratios at the start and end of the day, staff files (Gateways, Mandated Reporter, physicals, background checks), the attendance and departure logs, and drill records. |
| Day care homes: citation events | 1,423 | 39.7% | Keep your age mix within Section 2007.13, keep monthly fire and tornado drill and fire-safety inspection records, and have household background checks, medical reports and the radon and lead postings up to date before each visit. |
| Group day care homes: citation events | 346 | 9.7% | Make sure a qualified assistant is present whenever you are above 8 children, and keep assistants' 15 training hours, drill logs and children's medical reports current. |
Frequently asked questions
Who licenses daycare in Illinois now, DCFS or IDEC?
Since July 1, 2026 the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) licenses day care centers, day care homes and group day care homes. DCFS still runs the fingerprint background check unit until IDEC takes that over (planned July 1, 2027). Compliance reports are still on the Sunshine website at sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov. (P.A. 103-0594; P.A. 104-0692; IDEC Child Care Licensure page)
Is "Rule 407" still the Illinois daycare center rule?
The same standards now live at 23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2008. Rule 406 (homes) is now Part 2007, Rule 408 (group homes) is Part 2009, Rule 377 (exemptions) is Part 2005, and the day care part of Rule 385 (background checks) is Part 2010. Section endings carried over, so 407.190 is now 2008.190.
What are the daycare staff-to-child ratios in Illinois?
In centers: infants (6 weeks–14 months) 1:4, group of 12; toddlers (15–23 months) 1:5, group of 15; 2-year-olds 1:8, group of 16; 3- and 4-year-olds 1:10, group of 20; 5-year-olds 1:20, group of 20; school-age 1:20, group of 30. In a mixed group the youngest child sets the ratio. (23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.190)
How many children can I watch at home without a license in Illinois?
Up to 3 children under 12, counting your own, or up to 6 if they are all from one household; you must tell parents you are exempt. Above that you need a day care home license: up to 8 children alone, or up to 12 with an assistant and school-age children. (225 ILCS 10/2.18, 3(d-5); 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2007.13)
How many training hours do Illinois child care staff need?
15 clock hours of in-service training every year in centers, homes and group homes, plus Mandated Reporter Training (within 30 days of hire in centers), SIDS and Shaken Baby training for infant staff, safe-sleep training every 3 years, and a 6-hour disabilities course for directors and home caregivers within 36 months. (23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.100, 2007.9, 2009.45; 225 ILCS 10/7.01)
How often do Illinois daycares get inspected?
At least once a year, unannounced, plus monthly during a permit, a visit within 60 days of a first license, a full review at each 3-year renewal, and extra visits after complaints or violations. (89 Ill. Adm. Code 383.25; IDEC/DCFS Sunshine monitoring process)
Does an Illinois daycare license cost money, and how long does it last?
There is no fee. Center, home and group home licenses are valid for 3 years. File the renewal at least 3 months before expiration; a license that lapses can't be renewed and you must reapply. (225 ILCS 10/5.01; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.55, 2008.60)
Can an Illinois daycare expel a child for behavior?
No. Licensed centers, homes and group homes may not expel a child because of a pattern of challenging behavior. A planned transition to a program better able to meet the child's needs is allowed, with a transition plan made with the family. (225 ILCS 10/5.10; 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.270, 2007.15)
Do Illinois daycares have to test for radon and lead?
Yes. All licensed programs test for radon at least every 3 years and post the result by the license. Programs serving children under 6 in buildings built on or before January 1, 2000 test drinking water for lead, post all results, and need a mitigation plan for any result at or above 2.01 ppb. (225 ILCS 10/5.8, 5.9)
Sources
- IDEC, Child Care Licensure (rule transfer table, ratios, monitoring reports) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- IDEC news, Illinois Department of Early Childhood Officially Launches July 1 as New State Agency (July 1, 2026) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- IDEC news, 2026 Spring Legislative Session: ECE Bills that Passed Both Chambers (June 2, 2026) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- IDEC news, Gov. Pritzker Signs Child Care Licensing Redesign Bill into Law (June 26, 2026) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- IDEC news, An Update on HB 2190 (August 3, 2026) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- IDEC Data and Reports (FY26 deaths, injuries and indicated abuse/neglect in child care) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Day Care Licensing Annual Report to the General Assembly FY 2026 (September 30, 2026) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- 23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2008, Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers (JCAR) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- 23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2007, Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes (JCAR) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- 23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2009, Licensing Standards for Group Day Care Homes (JCAR) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- 23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2010, Background Checks (JCAR) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- 23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2005, Facilities and Programs Exempt from Licensure (JCAR) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- 89 Ill. Adm. Code Part 383, Licensing Compliance Monitoring, Complaints and Enforcement (JCAR) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Child Care Act of 1969, 225 ILCS 10 (Illinois Compiled Statutes) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Bill status: HB 3595 (P.A. 104-0480) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Bill status: HB 2190 (P.A. 104-0583) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Bill status: HB 5099 (P.A. 104-0692) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Bill status: HB 4587 (P.A. 104-0773) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Bill status: SB 2771 (P.A. 104-0808) (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Sunshine: The Monitoring Process for Licensed Child Care Facilities (accessed November 8, 2026)
- Sunshine: Day care monitoring reports (provider lookup) (accessed November 8, 2026)
Educational information, not legal advice. Rules change and inspectors apply them to your specific program. Always confirm requirements with your state child care licensing agency: Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), Child Care Licensing (Division of Quality and Safety). How we handle your information: privacy policy.