Home Daycare: Chicago vs Orland Park
How do home daycare rules compare between Chicago, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Orland Park has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Home daycare operations in Chicago are regulated by both Illinois state licensing (225 ILCS 10, DCFS standards) and Chicago's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17). Day care homes serving up to 8 children are generally a permitted use in residential zoning districts.
View full Chicago 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 | Chicago | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| State License | DCFS Day Care Home license required | DCFS required |
| Capacity | Up to 8 children (max 3 under age 2) | - |
| Zoning | Permitted accessory use in residential districts (Title 17) | - |
| Group Home | 9-16 children requires additional licensing/zoning review | Up to 12 children |
| Inspections | CFD fire safety + CDPH health inspection | - |
| Family Home | - | Up to 8 children |
| Background Check | - | All adults in household |
| Village Contact | - | (708) 403-6150 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in Chicago?
Yes. Day care homes for up to 8 children are generally permitted in residential zones under Chicago's Zoning Ordinance. You need a DCFS Day Care Home license and may need a Chicago business license.
How many children can I care for in a Chicago home daycare?
A DCFS Day Care Home license allows up to 8 children, including no more than 3 under age 2. A Group Day Care Home license (9-16 children) requires additional licensing and potential zoning review.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Orland Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool