Become a Licensed Child Care Provider
Child care programs licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) must meet foundational standards designed to provide safe, healthy, and high-quality care for children and families.
This informational toolkit was developed in partnership with the Birth to Five Illinois Region 8 Team to help you explore what it takes to become a licensed child care provider and determine if this opportunity is right for you.
Key Licensing Requirements
Child-to-Staff Ratios
Programs must maintain appropriate supervision ratios based on the ages of children in care.
Background Checks
All staff members must successfully complete criminal background checks before working with children.
📚 Training & Education
Caregivers must complete required education and ongoing professional development.
Safe Facilities
Child care environments must provide adequate indoor and outdoor space that meets licensing standards.
Healthy Environments
Programs must maintain clean, healthy, and secure environments for children and families.
Positive Interactions
Staff are expected to build respectful, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate relationships with children.
Ready to Learn More?
For complete licensing standards, application requirements, and information about the monitoring process, visit the Illinois DCFS website and explore the resources provided in this toolkit.
Visit Illinois DCFS