Arlington Heights vs Oak Lawn
How do home daycare rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Oak Lawn, IL?
Arlington Heights and Oak Lawn 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 →Oak Lawn, IL
Cook County
Home-based daycare in Oak Lawn is regulated primarily by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) under 225 ILCS 10. A Family Child Care Home license permits up to 8 children (including the provider's own under age 12). Oak Lawn's zoning code generally permits licensed home daycares in residential districts subject to standard home occupation conditions.
View full Oak Lawn rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Oak Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Max | - | 8 children |
| Group Home Max | - | 12 children |
| Background Checks | - | All adults |
| Inspections | - | Annual |
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.
Oak Lawn FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my Oak Lawn home?
Yes, with DCFS licensing. A Family Child Care Home license allows up to 8 children. Oak Lawn's zoning code generally permits licensed family daycare as a home occupation.
How do I get a daycare license in Illinois?
Contact Illinois DCFS Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, home inspection, training requirements, and annual renewal.
Do I need approval from Oak Lawn in addition to DCFS?
Yes. Contact the Oak Lawn Community Development Department to confirm zoning compliance and obtain any required zoning verification letter for DCFS.
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