Home Daycare: Arlington Heights vs Des Plaines
How do home daycare rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Arlington Heights and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights permits home daycare operations subject to Illinois state licensing requirements and local zoning provisions. Illinois DCFS licenses home daycares as either Day Care Homes (up to 8 children) or Group Day Care Homes (up to 16 children). The Village's zoning ordinance addresses home daycare as a permitted home occupation or special use depending on the number of children served.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Home daycare in Des Plaines is regulated primarily by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) under 89 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 406 and 408. Family child care homes may serve up to 8 children; group homes up to 12 children with an assistant. The City permits licensed home daycare as a home occupation with conditions on traffic and outdoor play areas.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Day Care Home | Up to 8 children (DCFS licensed) | - |
| Group Day Care Home | 9-16 children (DCFS licensed) | - |
| DCFS Licensing | Required for all home daycares | - |
| Fire Department | (847) 368-5230 | - |
| DCFS Hotline | (800) 252-7899 | - |
| State License | - | DCFS required |
| Family Home | - | Up to 8 children |
| Group Home | - | Up to 12 children |
| Background Check | - | All adults required |
| City Contact | - | (847) 391-5300 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
How many children can I watch in my home in Arlington Heights?
With a DCFS Day Care Home license, up to 8 children including your own under 12. A Group Day Care Home license allows 9-16 children with additional requirements. Local zoning may impose further limits.
Do I need a state license for a home daycare?
Yes. Illinois DCFS requires licensing for home daycares. The license requires background checks, safety inspections, training, and ongoing compliance with state childcare standards.
Does the Village require a special use permit for daycare?
Small home daycares may operate under home occupation rules. Larger group daycares may need a special use permit depending on your zoning district. Contact the Village Planning Department to determine what is required for your situation.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need a license for home daycare in Des Plaines?
Yes. Illinois DCFS requires a family child care home license to care for more than 3 unrelated children. Des Plaines also requires compliance with home occupation conditions.
How many children can I care for?
A family child care home license allows up to 8 children with limits on the number under age 2 and under age 6. A group home license with an assistant permits up to 12 children.
What does Des Plaines require beyond DCFS licensing?
Compliance with home occupation conditions including managed drop-off and pickup, adequate fenced outdoor play space, and registration with the Department of Community and Economic Development.
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