Illinois childcare licensing requirements.
Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for Illinois — per DCFS Licensing Standards (89 Ill. Admin. Code Part 407). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.
Staff-to-child ratios in Illinois
| Age group | Ratio | Max group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 | 12 |
| toddler | 1:5 | 15 |
| two_year | 1:8 | 16 |
| three_year | 1:10 | 20 |
| four_year | 1:10 | 20 |
| five_year_preschool | 1:20 | 20 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:20 | 30 |
Per DCFS Licensing Standards (89 Ill. Admin. Code Part 407). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.
Required certifications
Illinois required 15 hours annual training per 89 Ill. Admin. Code § 407.140
Renews every 12 months
Illinois fingerprint-based background check including CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) per 89 Ill. Admin. Code § 407.110
Renews every 60 months
Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System check required for all staff
Renews every 60 months
Illinois Gateways ECE credential for lead teachers
First aid certification appropriate to age of children in care
Renews every 24 months
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
Infant and child CPR certification required per 89 Ill. Admin. Code § 407.140
Renews every 24 months
Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers per 89 Ill. Admin. Code § 407.140
Renews every 36 months
Physical examination and TB test required within 90 days of employment
Renews every 24 months
Drill requirements
| Drill | Frequency | Required |
|---|---|---|
| fire | monthly | Yes |
| tornado | semi_annually | Yes |
Illinois DCFS Pre-Inspection Checklist
- License displayed in prominent location
- Capacity not exceeded
- Operating within licensed hours
- Written operational policies available
- Parent handbook current and distributed
- Indoor space meets minimum (35 sq ft per child)
- Outdoor play area adequate and safe
- Temperature maintained (65-75°F)
- Adequate lighting in all areas
- Toilets clean and child-accessible
- Handwashing facilities available
- Drinking water readily accessible
Run a Illinois program? Keep it compliant without the binder.
Ratios computed live from real check-ins, certifications flagged before they lapse, and inspection-ready reports one click away.