Illinois Daycare and Preschool Teacher Requirements

Updated November 2026.

In Illinois, a lead teacher at a licensed daycare center who works with infants, toddlers or preschoolers must be at least 19, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet one of three paths: 60 college semester hours with at least 6 in child development, one year of experience plus 30 semester hours with at least 6 in child development, or an approved early childhood credential.

These requirements come from the Illinois licensing standards for day care centers, 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.140 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.140), now overseen by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Here is what they mean and what to ask on a tour.

Early childhood teacher requirements

To be qualified as an early childhood teacher in charge of a group of infants, toddlers or preschoolers, a person must be at least 19, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet one of these:

College path: 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university, including 6 semester hours in child care or child development courses covering birth to age 6.
Experience plus college path: 1 year (1,560 clock hours) of experience in a nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center, plus 30 semester hours of college credit, including 6 semester hours in child development for birth to age 6.
Credential path: completion of an approved early childhood credentialing program. In Illinois, approved credentials include certain Gateways to Opportunity early childhood credentials.

Montessori training from the American Montessori Society or Association Montessori International can stand in for the child development coursework.

Helpers and assistants

Not everyone in the classroom has to meet the full teacher requirements. Under the rules, staff who are not yet fully qualified must work under the supervision of a qualified teacher. Ask each center how its classrooms are staffed and who is the lead teacher for your child's group.

Training every year

Qualifications are only the start. Illinois licensing rules also require ongoing training for staff, and centers that care for infants must make sure the director and required staff complete approved training on safe sleep and preventing sudden infant death and abusive head trauma. Staff also go through background checks before working with children. See our guide to checking a daycare's license in Illinois.

What else to look for

Ratios and group sizes. More teachers per child often matters as much as degrees. See Illinois daycare ratios by age.
CPR and first aid. Ask whether teachers in your child's room are certified.
Low turnover. Ask how long the teachers have worked at the center.
Quality ratings. Programs in ExceleRate Illinois or accredited by NAEYC meet extra standards. See our guide to ExceleRate Illinois.

Questions to ask on a tour

What training and education do the teachers in my child's room have?
How long have they worked here?
How often do teachers take part in professional development?
Are all teachers trained in CPR, first aid and safe sleep?
Who covers the room during breaks and at the start and end of the day?

Frequently asked questions

Do daycare teachers need a degree in Illinois?

Not a full degree. Lead teachers need at least 30 to 60 college semester hours with child development courses, or an approved credential, depending on the path.

How old do daycare teachers have to be in Illinois?

Early childhood teachers in charge of a group must be at least 19.

What is a Gateways credential?

It is an Illinois early childhood credential through the Gateways to Opportunity system, one way teachers can meet state qualifications.

Are daycare staff background checked in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois requires background checks for child care staff.

Our teachers at Children's Land

Children's Land staff meet or exceed state requirements, take mandatory workshops every year, complete background checks through local and state agencies, and are CPR and First-Aid certified. Learn about our preschool program, find a location, or contact us to schedule a tour.

Illinois Daycare and Preschool Teacher Requirements