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Licensed Daycare in Illinois

Search 5,200 verified daycare and childcare centers across Illinois, sourced directly from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

5,200
Licensed Centers
$1,340/mo
Avg Infant Care
$960/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Illinois Childcare Licensing

In Illinois, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:8
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,340/mo
Avg preschool cost
$960/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Illinois

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Chicago
350 centers
Palatine
46 centers
Rockford
44 centers
Peoria
39 centers
Joliet
36 centers
Aurora
34 centers
Elgin
19 centers
Evanston
18 centers
Waukegan
17 centers
Naperville
17 centers
Wheaton
16 centers
Skokie
16 centers
Financial help

Illinois Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Illinois families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (877) 202-4453

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Illinois

Preschool Program
650 centers
Montessori School
650 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
650 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
650 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
650 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
650 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 5,200 →
B Infant Care

Bloomington Little Stars Daycare #397

Nauvoo

Preschool (2-5) Cap 32
B Montessori

Bloomington Rainbow Learning Center #398

Nebo

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 18
B Licensed Center

Bloomington Bright Futures Daycare #399

New Canton

Infants & Toddlers Cap 69
L Family Daycare

Little Hearts Bloomington #400

New Salem

School Age (5+) Cap 89

Daycare in Illinois — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Illinois is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Illinois?
State minimums in Illinois are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:8 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Illinois?
Full-time infant care averages about $1340/month; preschool runs around $960/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Illinois trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Illinois?
Yes. The primary state program is Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS, reachable at (877) 202-4453. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Illinois daycare?
File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 5,200 Licensed Illinois Centers

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