Illinois Childcare Licensing

Illinois Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Illinois childcare licensing is administered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. A licensed Illinois center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual; complaint investigations as needed

Licensing Agency

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Illinois Licensing Requirements: The Specifics

Illinois childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210.

Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210

Illinois childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.260.

Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.260

Illinois childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.390.

Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.390

Illinois childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.395.

Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.395

Illinois childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.440.

Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.440

Illinois childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.215.

Illinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.215

Illinois Licensing Requirements at a Glance

Hours of OperationIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210
Behavior Guidance and Discipline PolicyIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.260
Illness and Exclusion PolicyIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.390
Medication Administration PolicyIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.395
Emergency ProceduresIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.440
Arrival and Departure ProceduresIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.215
Nutrition and Meals PolicyIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.370
Parent Communication PolicyIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210(a)
Grievance and Complaint ProcedureIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210(b)
Child Abuse and Neglect ReportingIllinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5); IAC §407.150
Enrollment, Fees, and Payment PolicyIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.210(c)
Health and Safety PoliciesIllinois Administrative Code Title 89 §407.380
Nondiscrimination PolicyIllinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5); IAC §407.100

Go Deeper

All Illinois requirementsThe full Illinois licensing overview.Compare all 50 statesSee licensing requirements side by side.Read the guidePractical how-to for this topic.

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Illinois Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Illinois?

Childcare licensing in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Official licensing information is published at https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/childwelfare/Pages/licensing.aspx.

How many handbook policy sections does Illinois require?

Illinois requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Illinois inspect licensed childcare centers?

Annual; complaint investigations as needed

What happens if a Illinois center is out of compliance?

Fines up to $5,000; license suspension or revocation under 225 ILCS 10/9

Illinois childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Illinois administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.