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. Please click the following link for a summary of the DCFS licensing Standards for Child Care Centers.

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. Please click the following link for a summary of the DCFS licensing Standards for Family Child Care Homes.

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. Please click the following link for a summary of the DCFS licensing Standards for Family Child Care Group Homes.

License-Exempt Child Care - care that does not require a license from Illinois DCFS to operate. Please click the following link for additional information on License-Exempt Child Care.

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

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