Illinois Licensing Agent (DCFS)

http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/index.shtml 

In Illinois, the Child Care Act of 1969 (as amended) is the law that 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 and safety standards. 

A DCFS license must be on display at the center or home. State licensing representatives annually monitor each child care program. They determine if programs meet minimum health and safety requirements and 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 a 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. 

The Department of Children and Family Services is also the agency that investigates all complaints made about providers. They operate a Day Care Information Line that provides parents with licensing compliance information about licensed programs. The Day Care Information Line number is 1-877-746-0829.