Licensed Centers
A licensed child care center offers care to children within a group/classroom setting and has met the standards set by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This includes passing health and safety inspections, completing background checks, and adhering to specific training requirements.
The center application process is complex, and each center application will vary due to size, organizational structure, staffing, hours, location, and the configuration of the physical plant, etc. Background checks, state and local inspections for fire, plumbing, and health compliance, insurance requirements, minimum space requirements, and all other requirements of Rule 407.
Because of the complexity, center applicants work closely and communicate often with their assigned licensing representatives (DCFS), from pre-application to receipt of their permit and then through licensure. Each center must have a qualified director during hours of operation, follow limits on the number of children in each classroom or group, comply with child-staff ratios at all times, maintain financial solvency, provide nutritious meals and snacks, and provide an environment where children are safe and comfortable and enjoy learning. There are educational and experience requirements for staff and programming is required, which includes age- and developmentally-appropriate activities, both indoors and outdoors.
To help a center be successful, a Needs Assessment is encouraged to examine the availability of child care in the area and whether the community could support a center. SAL Child Care Connection of Central Illinois can be a wealth of information regarding local child care needs. Call us!
If it has been determined that a child care center license is the route to go, please phone an Illinois DCFS licensing office (see chart below) to speak with a licensing representative and arrange to attend an orientation in person. While orientation is not required, it is highly recommended. This conversation will begin the journey by examining the plans and licensing regulations, local requirements in the community, recommendations for good practice, etc. From there, the completion of the goal to open a licensed child care center is determined by readiness, the status of the building, outside inspection results, etc. Once approved, centers are issued a 6-month permit, during which the licensing representative will conduct routine monitoring visits, provide consultation, and ensure that the center is fully in compliance so that a license can be recommended.
See Rule 407: Day Care Centers under the Forms/Rules tab at https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/Welcome.aspx
Sign up for a one-on-one consultation or training for becoming a licensed child care provider.
Contact Dawn Wiles, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator, at dwiles@salccc.org
Click below for a step-by-step guide
