Illinois Childcare Licensing Requirements
Illinois childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210.
Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Illinois childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.260 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.390 | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.395 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.440 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.215 | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.370 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210(a) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210(b) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5); IAC §407.150 | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210(c) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.380 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5); IAC §407.100 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.420 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.425 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Illinois mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddler (13-23 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (24-30 months) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (31 months-5 years) | 1:10 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:20 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcal
Background Check Requirements
- Illinois State Police background check
- CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check
- FBI fingerprint check
Inspection Frequency
Annual; complaint investigations as needed
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines up to $5,000; license suspension or revocation under 225 ILCS 10/9
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Generate a Illinois-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Illinois childcare parent handbook?
Illinois childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Illinois?
Childcare licensing in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. You can find official licensing information at https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/childwelfare/Pages/licensing.aspx.
What happens if a Illinois childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Illinois parent handbook requirements can result in: Fines up to $5,000; license suspension or revocation under 225 ILCS 10/9
How often are Illinois childcare centers inspected?
Illinois childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Annual; complaint investigations as needed