How to start a daycare in Illinois.

Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) licenses child care centers in Illinois. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 3, 2026.

Opening a child care center in Illinois, step by step

  1. Call the licensing office near your site

    Call the licensing office nearest your planned site. Ask to attend an orientation in person.

    Source: An Overview of the Licensing Process

  2. Talk before you sign a lease

    Discuss your plans with the licensing office before you sign a lease or contract.

    Source: An Overview of the Licensing Process

  3. Test the building for radon

    Your first application needs proof the center was tested for radon in the last 3 years.

    Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.50, Application for License (Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers)

  4. Get fire and sanitation clearances

    Get a letter or certificate from each agency that inspects you for fire and sanitation.

    Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.65, Provisions Pertaining to Permits (Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers)

  5. Join the Gateways Registry

    Your director and all staff must be members of the Gateways to Opportunity Registry.

    Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.50, Application for License (Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers)

  6. Start background checks

    List everyone who needs a background check. Include each person's signed permission for the check.

    Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.50, Application for License (Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers)

  7. Send a complete application

    Send a complete, signed application. Incomplete or unsigned ones are sent back.

    Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.50, Application for License (Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers)

  8. Pass the license study

    IDEC studies your center to see if it meets the licensing standards.

    Source: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.50, Application for License (Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers)

At a glance

Who licenses centers
Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). The lead agency for child care licensing since July 1, 2026.Source: Child Care Licensure: Provider Licensing Information
When you need a center license
More than 3 children outside a family home, or more than 8 in oneSource: 225 ILCS 10/2.09
First approval
A 6-month permit, then a full licenseSource: An Overview of the Licensing Process
Babies 6 weeks to 15 months
4 children for each staff memberSource: Child Care Licensure: Provider Licensing Information
Visits
IDEC visits each licensed program once a year without noticeSource: Child Care Licensure: Provider Licensing Information
Rules for centers
23 Ill. Adm. Code Part 2008, which replaced 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407Source: Child Care Licensure: Provider Licensing Information

Good to know

  • Licenses issued before July 1, 2026 came from DCFS. Since then, IDEC issues them.Source: 225 ILCS 10/3
  • Illinois law now calls a center an early care and education center. IDEC's rules still say day care center.Source: 225 ILCS 10/2.09
  • The state's licensing overview suggests a needs assessment. It shows if your area needs and can support a center.Source: An Overview of the Licensing Process

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Questions, answered

How do I start a daycare in Illinois?

The first step: Call the licensing office near your site. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who licenses child care centers in Illinois?

Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). The lead agency for child care licensing since July 1, 2026.

About this page

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 3, 2026.

This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.

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