Home Daycare: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do home daycare rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
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 →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Home daycare operations in Evanston are regulated by both Illinois state licensing (through DCFS) and local zoning. A home daycare serving up to 8 children (day care home) requires a DCFS license but is generally permitted in residential zones. Group day care homes serving 9-16 children require a DCFS license and may need a special use permit from Evanston's Zoning Board of Appeals.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Day Care Home | - | Up to 8 children, DCFS license required |
| Group Day Care | - | 9-16 children, may need special use permit |
| DCFS Licensing | - | Background checks, safety inspection |
| Outdoor Play Area | - | Fenced, minimum 4 ft height |
| Fire Department | - | (847) 866-5923 for fire safety inspection |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Evanston FAQ
How many children can I watch in my home in Evanston?
With a DCFS Day Care Home license, you can care for up to 8 children (up to 12 with an assistant). This size generally fits within Evanston's home occupation zoning rules. A Group Day Care Home for 9-16 children may require a special use permit.
What do I need to get licensed?
You need a DCFS license requiring background checks, home safety inspection, first aid/CPR certification, liability insurance, and 15 hours of annual continuing education. Apply through the Illinois DCFS licensing division. The Evanston Fire Department may also conduct a fire safety inspection.
Is babysitting a few kids considered a daycare?
Illinois requires DCFS licensing when you regularly care for children from more than one unrelated family for more than a few hours per week. Occasional babysitting for one family is not regulated. Contact DCFS for guidance on whether your arrangement requires licensing.
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