Licensed Home Child Care Provider
A licensed home child care provider delivers care within the provider's own residence and meets all standards established by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This includes completing required background checks, health and safety inspections, and ongoing training to ensure children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
Licensure is required when caring for more than three children under the age of 13, including the provider's own children. The license outlines the approved capacity, the areas of home authorized for child care, and whether care may be offered during evening or overnight hours.
See Rule 406: Day Care Homes under the Forms/Rules tab at
https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/Welcome.aspx
Licensed Group Home Child Care Provider
A licensed group home child care provider delivers care to children within the provider's own residence and meets all standards established by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This includes completing required background checks, health and safety inspections, and ongoing training to ensure children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
Licensure for a group home child care is required when caring for eight to sixteen children under the age of 13, including the provider's own children. A licensed group home must also meet adult-to-child ratios as outlined by DCFS, often requiring a qualified assistant. The license outlines the approved capacity, the areas of the home authorized for child care, and whether care may be offered during evening or overnight hours.
See Rule 408: Group Day Care Homes under the Forms/Rules tab at
https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/Welcome.aspx
DCFS Contact Information
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is the agency responsible for licensing Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes.
For more information, contact the Peoria Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
5414 N. University, Peoria, IL 61614
Call: (309) 693-5400
Peoria DCFS Office covers Bureau, Fulton, LaSalle, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford counties in Illinois.
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
