1. Licensing Standards Day Care Centers
Illinois Department Children Families Services DCFS Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor Erwin McEwen, Director
Division of Licensing
Rule 407
Licensing Standards Day Care Centers
Presenter: Virginia A. York, Associate Deputy Director of Licensing
Jan Susa, Manager, Cook

2. Who Are We?
LICENSURE OF
DAY CARE CENTERS
CONSULTATION TO PROVIDERS OF

3. Why Licensing?
Licensing of child care facilities is a governmental regulation designed to reduce risks to children in care away from their families. It provides consumer protection for children, our most vulnerable population.

4. Why DCFS? Law: Child Care Act of 1969
It defines what a “child care facility” is.
It mandates the licensing of day care facilities in Illinois.
It establishes DCFS as the agency responsible for that licensing.
It requires consultation to Providers.
It mandates licensure BEFORE operation can begin.

5. What is a Child Care Center?
A facility that provides day care for less than 24 hours per day for more than 3 children.

6. Exemption to the Law From Licensing: Schools Systems
Public
Parochial
Private
and
Federal government

7. Process for becoming licensed:
Contact local DCFS Office for Information
Attend Orientation Session to be connected to a License Representative
Courtesy visit to review proposed site
Submission of Application

8. Completed Application includes:
Articles of incorporation and by-laws
Statement of purpose and policies
List of officers and board members
Annual operating budget

9. Completed Application includes:
Staffing plan, job descriptions and qualifications
Written delegation of administrative authority
List of persons submit to background check

10. Assessment of Licensure
Review of Completed, Signed application

11. Assessment of Licensure
Employment of Child Care Director
passed background check
three character references
proof of education
Medical
and timeline for additional qualified staff to be hired

12. Assessment of Licensure
Staff holds First-aid and CPF Certification
Food service sanitation certification
Fire clearance
Sanitation clearance
Liability insurance

13. Assessment of Licensure
Review emerengency medical care plan
Review plan for nutrition/food service requirements
Review plan for acquisition of furnishings and equipment

14. Review of Licensure Review program description, and daily schedule
Review center drawings
Review areas by measurements
Review indoor/outdoor space for child usage

15. Review of Licensure
Review of risk management plan to be followed in case of emergency
Review statement of discipline policy
Review of how forms and records will be kept
Review of fininancial capability

16. Decision regarding Licensure: Denial or Permit-Permit
Permit issued 6-months
Permit must be displayed at all times
Permit specifies maximum number children
Permit requires monthly unannounced monitoring visits
Permit is no charge

17. License Is Issued License valid 3-years License no fee or charge
License requires announced, unannounced monitoring visits throughout the year
License requires annual monitoring visit
License renewed every 3 years

18. Expectations Compliance with licensing standards
Provide safe, healthy, nutritional environment that encourages learning