Licensed vs License-Exempt Child Care in Illinois

Licensed child care in Illinois has been approved and is monitored by the state, which visits licensed programs at least once a year without notice. License-exempt care is legal care that the law does not require to hold a license, such as a relative or a neighbor caring for three or fewer children. License-exempt care can be loving and safe, but it has fewer rules and less outside oversight.

Here is how the two compare and how to check any provider.

Who oversees child care in Illinois?

Since July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) handles child care licensing. It took over this work from the Department of Children and Family Services. Some older forms and websites may still mention DCFS.

Types of licensed care

• Licensed day care centers: programs in a building other than a family home, usually with separate rooms by age, a director and several teachers.
• Licensed day care homes: care in the provider's home for up to 8 children, counting the provider's own children under 12. With an assistant and state approval, a few extra school-age children can be added, up to 12.
• Licensed group day care homes: larger home programs. Under state law they can serve up to 16 children: usually up to 12 with one assistant, and more only with approved extended capacity and extra staff.

Licensed programs must meet state rules on ratios and group size, staff training and qualifications, background checks, health and safety, safe sleep, meals and building safety. See our guide to Illinois daycare ratios by age for the numbers.

Who can legally be license-exempt?

Home-based care

A provider does not need a license if they care for:

• Three or fewer children under 13, counting their own children
• Children from only one household, such as one family's siblings
• Only children related to them, such as grandchildren, nieces and nephews

This is often called family, friend and neighbor care. Care can happen in the provider's home or in the child's home.

Exempt centers and programs

Some programs are exempt from day care licensing because another agency oversees them or because of how they operate. Examples include:

• Preschool and pre-K programs run by public school districts
• Programs at private schools recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, for children 3 and older
• Certain park district and recreation programs that meet state conditions
• Short-term care while parents are on site, such as during religious services or at a shopping center

If a center does not display a license, ask which exemption it uses.

How oversight differs

• Inspections: IDEC makes yearly unannounced visits to licensed programs. License-exempt providers that accept Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) payments for non-relative care also get a yearly on-site visit. Other exempt care may never be inspected.
• Background checks: licensed programs and many exempt programs must complete fingerprint background checks. Exempt relative care does not require one.
• Training: licensed staff need ongoing training, and CCAP-paid exempt providers have some training requirements. Other exempt providers have none.
• Ratios and safe sleep: licensed programs must follow state limits. Exempt home care is limited mainly by the number of children allowed.
• Public records: you can look up licensed programs and their inspection reports on the state's Sunshine website.

Pros and cons for families

Licensed care

• More outside oversight and clear rules
• Trained staff and background checks
• Inspection reports you can read
• Usually costs more

License-exempt care

• Often a familiar person, like a grandparent or trusted neighbor
• Very small group, often flexible hours
• Usually costs less
• Fewer rules and little or no inspection, so you need to check safety yourself

How to check any provider

1. Ask whether they are licensed or license-exempt, and why.
2. For licensed care, look up the provider and inspection reports. Our guide on how to check a daycare license in Illinois shows you how.
3. For exempt care, ask about CPR and first aid training, background checks, safe sleep practices and the number of children present.
4. Visit during care hours and watch how children are supervised.
5. Ask for references from other families.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone babysit in Illinois without a license?

Yes, if they care for three or fewer children including their own, children from one household, or only relatives.

Can I use CCAP for license-exempt care?

Yes, some license-exempt providers can receive CCAP payments if they meet program requirements. See our guide to CCAP income limits.

Is license-exempt care unsafe?

Not necessarily. It simply has less outside oversight, so parents need to check safety more carefully.

How do I report unlicensed care?

Call the Illinois Day Care Information Line at 1-877-746-0829.

Licensed care at Children's Land

Children's Land centers are licensed child care centers, with cameras in every classroom and staff who are CPR and first aid certified with local and state background checks. Find a location near you.

Related reading: In-Home Daycare vs Daycare Center: Pros and Cons.