Childcare Center Rules: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do childcare center rules rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Childcare centers in Cook County must satisfy Cook County Building Code Chapter 32 occupancy classifications and Illinois DCFS licensing under 89 Illinois Administrative Code Part 407, including egress, fire safety, sanitation, and minimum square-footage requirements.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago childcare facilities must satisfy Building Code MCC Ch. 14 occupancy and egress rules plus Illinois DCFS Title 89 Part 407 licensing covering staff ratios, square footage, and fire safety inspections before operating.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Building code | Cook County Ch. 32 Group E | - |
| Licensing | DCFS 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407 | - |
| Indoor space | 35 sq ft per child | - |
| Outdoor space | 75 sq ft per child | - |
| Health inspection | Cook County DPH food service | - |
| City code | - | MCC Ch. 14B |
| State licensing | - | Illinois DCFS Title 89 Part 407 |
| Indoor space minimum | - | 35 sq ft per child |
| Infant/toddler floor rule | - | Ground-floor placement required |
| Outdoor play area | - | 75 sq ft per child |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Do I need a license for in-home daycare?
Yes, if you care for more than three unrelated children. DCFS licenses home daycares under Part 406 with simpler space rules but still requires background checks, fire safety inspections, and annual renewal.
Can a daycare open in any building?
No. Cook County zoning and most suburban codes restrict centers to specific districts and require special-use permits in residential zones, plus fire-rated separations from other occupancies in the building code.
Chicago FAQ
Can a Chicago day-care operate above the ground floor?
Programs serving infants and toddlers must occupy the ground floor unless approved alternate egress is provided. Older preschoolers may use upper floors when sprinklers, two exits, and fire alarms meet MCC Ch. 14B.
Is a home day-care for six children licensed the same way?
No. Day-care homes serve up to eight children under a separate DCFS license type and operate as a Chicago home-business use under MCC 17, with simpler building rules but the same background checks.
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