How to Start a Daycare in Illinois - post

Starting a daycare is a big goal—but you can do it in simple steps. In Illinois, the most important things are getting licensed, completing training, passing background checks, and setting up a safe space for children.

🏛️ Do you need a license to run a daycare in Illinois?

In Illinois, many child care programs must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The steps can be different depending on the type of program you open.

Licensing matters because it helps protect children. It also shows families your program follows health and safety rules. #IllinoisChildCare

🏠 Should you open a #home-daycare or a child care center?

This is one of your biggest choices. It changes your costs, your space needs, and your licensing steps.

A home daycare may be a good fit if you want to:

• Start smaller

• Work from the home where you live

• Keep rent costs lower (#DaycareStartup)

Illinois explains that home licenses are connected to the provider’s family home, and the state checks the home for safety during the process.

A child care center may be a good fit if you want to:

• Care for more children

• Use a separate building or rented space

• Hire more staff

DCFS notes that center applications are more complex and often involve inspections and other requirements.

🧭 What is the first step to start the licensing process?

If you want to open a home daycare, a smart first step is the free online Day Care Home Licensing Orientation. It teaches the rules, the process, and helps you decide if this work is right for you.

If you want to open a center, DCFS recommends speaking with the licensing office near your location and working closely with your licensing representative.

Helpful tip: Try not to spend big money (like signing a long lease) until you understand what your space must have to meet licensing rules.

📝 What do you need to prepare before you apply?

You don’t need a long business plan. But you do need a clear plan.

Write down these basics:

• The ages you will serve (infants, #toddlers, #preschool, school-age)

• Your hours (full day, part day, before/after school)

• Your weekly rates and payment rules

• Your staffing plan (who will work, and when)

Create simple program policies, like:

• Drop-off and pick-up rules (including who is allowed to pick up)

• Sick child rules (fever, vomiting, contagious illness)

• Guidance and discipline rules (how you teach children to behave)

• Daily schedule (meals, naps, #outdoor-play, learning time)

Short, clear policies help families trust you. They also help you run your program smoothly.

🎓 What training do you need in Illinois?

Training is a big part of child care in Illinois. DCFS also points to Illinois Gateways Registry membership as part of the process for some license types.

For home-based programs, DCFS lists proof of at least 15 hours of required pre-service training on specific topics as part of what applicants must provide.

Want a simple overview of what Illinois requires? This ChildCareEd article breaks it down in an easy way:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/new-to-illinois-childcare-here-are-the-mandatory-training-topics-you-must-know.html

This is especially helpful if you are new to the field and want to understand the “must-do” topics first.

🧩 Which ChildCareEd courses can help you get ready?

Here are 2 ChildCareEd training courses that connect closely to safe, licensed child care. These are great for owners, directors, and staff. #ChildSafety #EarlyChildhoodEducation

🗣️ 9-Hour Communication Course

Communication is key in child care. This course helps you communicate with children, families, and staff in a positive and effective way.

👉 https://www.childcareed.com/courses-9-hour-communication-course-1.html

💤 Prevention of SIDS & Safe Sleep Practices

If you care for infants, this course helps you understand safe sleep rules that reduce the risk of SIDS and unsafe sleep.

👉 https://www.childcareed.com/courses-prevention-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-and-use-of-safe-sleep-practices.html

• Both courses are approved in Illinois and can help you meet portions of the state’s training requirements.

🕵️ What background checks are required for Illinois #daycare-staff?

Illinois requires background checks for people who live or work in a licensed child care program and may have unsupervised access to children.

DCFS explains that Illinois uses background checks to help protect children and includes checks like the child abuse/neglect system and other registries as part of the process.

Illinois also shares that fingerprinting and background checks are free for many applicants and employees in eligible programs.

You can also see DCFS information about the background check portal here:

Simple tip: Start background checks early. If they take longer than expected, your opening can be delayed.

🧯 What safety and space rules should you plan for?

Whether you open a home program or a center, your space must be safe.

Plan for these common safety needs:

• Safe exits and #emergency plans (fire, severe weather)

• Locked storage for cleaning products and medicine

• Safe sleep areas for infants (if you serve babies)

• Clean handwashing areas and diapering routines

• Safe play areas (inside and outside)

DCFS notes that for homes, once the application is complete and background checks are received, a home visit is scheduled. During the visit, the licensing team looks for safety hazards, confirms areas of use, sets capacity, and explains record-keeping.

For centers, DCFS notes inspections and building requirements may include fire, plumbing, and health compliance, plus space requirements.

💰 How can you start a daycare with limited money?

You can start smart without buying everything at once.

Money-saving ideas that still support quality:

• Buy supplies in phases (start with what you need for the first month)

• Use donations (books, dress-up clothes, #puzzles—only safe items)

• Shop secondhand (always check recalls and safety rules)

• Keep your space simple, clean, and safe

This ChildCareEd resource is packed with practical ideas:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00715-how-to-start-a-daycare-with-no-money.html

📲 Where can you get more help and updates from ChildCareEd?

If you want more tips, training reminders, and helpful child care content, follow ChildCareEd on social media. Pick your favorite platform here and tap Follow today:
https://linktr.ee/childcareed