Arlington Heights vs Orland Park
How do home daycare rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Arlington Heights and Orland Park 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 →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Home daycare in Orland Park is primarily regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) under 89 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 406 and 408. Family child care homes may care for up to 8 children (no more than 3 under age 2); group homes up to 12 with an assistant. Orland Park's Land Development Code permits licensed home daycare as a home occupation with conditions.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 in household |
| Village Contact | - | (708) 403-6150 |
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.
Orland Park FAQ
Do I need a license to run a home daycare in Orland Park?
Yes. Illinois DCFS requires a family child care home license for caring for more than 3 unrelated children. Orland Park zoning permits licensed home daycare with conditions on traffic and outdoor play areas.
How many children can I care for?
A family child care home license permits up to 8 children (with limits on under-age-2 and under-age-6 counts). A group home license with an assistant permits up to 12 children.
What does Orland Park require beyond state licensing?
Compliance with home occupation conditions including managed drop-off/pickup to avoid traffic issues, a properly-fenced outdoor play area, and notification to Development Services.
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