Licensing Standards Definitions

In Illinois, the Child Care Act of 1969 (as amended) is the law which requires the licensing of child care centers, family child care homes and group child care homes. Child care licensing is a form of consumer protection. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulates child care programs by requiring child care providers to meet minimum health & safety standards.

A DCFS license must be on display at the center or home. State licensing representatives annually monitor each child care program to determine if they meet minimum health and safety requirements and to ensure compliance with the standards. Programs should distribute a summary of the licensing standards to parents or guardians at the time of enrollment. A child care center, family child care and group child care home license must be renewed every three (3) years. Both the Child Care Act and/or the Licensing Standards are subject to change.

Definition of Terms

Child Care Center - a facility that cares for more than three children in a setting that is not a family home. Child care centers, nursery schools, preschools, and school age programs are included in the definition.

Family Child Care Home - the care of up to twelve children in a family home, including the provider's own children, related and unrelated, under age thirteen with an assistant.

Group Child Care Home - the care of up to sixteen children in a family home, including the provider's own children, related and unrelated under age thirteen with an assistant.

License-Exempt Child Care - care that does not require a license from Illinois DCFS to operate. Facilities or programs exempt from licensing include: 

• care provided in the child's own home with three or fewer children present including the child care provider's own children under the age of thirteen, or one sibling group.
• family child care for up to three children, including the provider's own children under the age of thirteen, or the children of one other family.
• programs serving children three years of age and older, are operated by public or private elementary schools, or schools which are registered and/or recognized with the Illinois State Board of Education or accredited by a national organization that regularly recognizes or accredits schools. 
• part day programs operated by a religious organization or social service agency in which no child is cared for more than ten hours in a seven day week.
• programs conducted on federal government premises.
• special activities programs operating on a short term basis.
• programs providing care for transient children while the parents are on the premises.

For further information on licensing contact the local DCFS office at 1-877-746-0829 or visit their website.