Who Can Pick Up My Child From Daycare? Illinois Rules

Updated November 2026.

In Illinois, a licensed daycare center can release your child only to people you have authorized in writing, even relatives. Staff must ask anyone they do not know for photo ID before letting your child leave. Centers keep two lists: people who pick up regularly, and a backup list for occasional pickups.

These rules come from the Illinois licensing standards for day care centers, 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.250 and 2008.260 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.250 and 407.260). Here is how pickup works and how to set it up.

The two pickup lists

Illinois rules require each center to keep, in your child's record, the name, address and phone number of everyone authorized to pick up your child, in two lists:

• A primary list of people who pick up your child regularly.
• A contingency list of people who may pick up occasionally, with any conditions you set. For example, a grandparent may pick up only on days you call ahead.

When a child leaves with someone from the contingency list, the center records that person's name, the date and the time.

Photo ID and sign-out

• Staff must refuse to release a child to anyone the parent has not authorized, related or not.
• People staff do not know must show photo identification, such as a driver's license or a state ID card.
• The time each child leaves is recorded on a daily log, and the person picking up signs, initials or otherwise confirms it.

Tell the people on your lists to bring ID every time, especially the first few pickups. A new teacher or a substitute may not know them.

How to set up pickup the right way

• Fill out the forms at enrollment and list every adult who might ever pick up, so you are covered on short notice.
• Update the lists in writing when things change, such as a new nanny or a neighbor who helps out.
• Call the center when someone unusual will pick up, even if they are on the contingency list.
• Keep emergency contacts current. Centers rely on them if you cannot be reached.
• Ask about the center's own policies, such as a minimum age for people picking up, or what staff do if a person seems unsafe to drive.

Custody orders and family situations

If a court order limits who can pick up your child, give the director a copy and ask how the center handles it. Keep the center's copy up to date if the order changes. Centers follow the authorization on file, so talk with the director early if your situation is complicated. For legal questions about custody, talk to a lawyer.

Late pickup and long days

Illinois centers must have a written late pickup policy that parents sign. It covers late fees, how the center tries to reach you and your emergency contacts, and when outside authorities would be called. Children also may not stay at a center more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period unless a parent's work or training schedule requires it and the parent confirms this in writing. Read more in our guide to daycare hours and late pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Can a grandparent pick up my child from daycare?

Yes, if you add them to the authorized pickup list in writing. Staff will ask for photo ID if they do not know them.

Will daycare release my child to the other parent?

Centers release children to people authorized in the child's record. If a court order limits pickup, give the center a copy and talk with the director.

Can I authorize someone by phone?

Centers follow written authorizations on file. Ask your director how they handle last-minute changes, and add likely backups to your contingency list ahead of time.

What ID do people need to pick up my child?

Illinois rules require photo identification for people staff do not know, such as a photo driver's license or a state ID card.

Safety at Children's Land

At Children's Land, a team member and cameras monitor the main entrance, and there are cameras in every room. Parents can watch classrooms on monitors at the entrance. Learn more about our security and our preschool program, find a location, or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Daycare Hours and Late Pickup: Planning a Full Workday.