How to Report a Daycare or Raise a Concern in Illinois

Updated November 2026.

Most daycare concerns are best solved by talking with your child's teacher first, then the director if the problem continues. Keep short notes of what happened and what was agreed. If you believe the daycare is breaking Illinois licensing rules, you can make a licensing complaint. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Illinois child abuse hotline right away.

Here is a simple step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Talk with the teacher

Teachers see your child every day and can often fix small problems fast, such as missed naps, lost items or a classmate conflict.

• Ask for a few minutes at a calm time, not during busy drop-off.
• Describe what you noticed and ask what the teacher sees.
• Agree on one or two next steps and a time to check in.

For behavior questions, see our guide on talking with a toddler teacher about a recurring behavior.

Step 2: Go to the director

If the problem continues, or if it is about staffing, safety, billing or policies, ask to meet the director. Bring your notes and ask for any follow-up in writing. If your child was hurt, ask for a copy of the incident report. See our guide to daycare incident reports.

Keep simple records

• Dates, times and what happened
• Who you talked to and what they said
• Copies of emails, app messages, daily reports and incident reports
• Photos of any injury, if relevant

When to make a licensing complaint

Licensed daycares must follow state rules on things like ratios, supervision, safe sleep, discipline, health and safety. Since July 1, 2026, child care licensing is run by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. If you believe a provider is breaking licensing standards:

• Call the Day Care Information Line at 1-877-746-0829 and ask for the licensing representative assigned to the provider.
• Describe what happened, with dates and details.
• Leave a phone number, even if you want to stay anonymous, so the licensing representative can reach you.

Anonymous complaints are allowed, but anonymous callers do not receive the results. According to the state's complaint guidance, the licensing representative begins the investigation within 2 business days of assignment, starting with an unannounced visit, and most complaints are completed in 30 to 60 days. If you left contact information, you should get a letter saying whether violations were found.

You can also look up a provider's license and past violations. See our guide on how to check a daycare license and violations in Illinois.

When to call the abuse hotline or 911

If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Illinois Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873). This is separate from a licensing complaint. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

If you decide to leave

Sometimes the best choice is a new program. Read your contract for notice rules before you give notice. See our guide on switching daycares.

Frequently asked questions

Who do I complain to about a daycare in Illinois?

Start with the director. For licensing violations, call the Day Care Information Line at 1-877-746-0829.

Can I make an anonymous daycare complaint in Illinois?

Yes, but you will not receive the results if you stay anonymous.

Will the daycare know I complained?

The state does not confirm who complained, but a provider may guess from the details.

What if I think my child was abused at daycare?

Call the abuse hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE. Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.

Talking with us at Children's Land

At Children's Land, families can talk with their child's teacher or the location director about any question or concern. Monitors at the entrance let parents see classrooms, and there are cameras in every room. Learn about our security and our toddler program, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: Daycare Incident Reports: What Parents Should Know.