Childcare Center Rules: Des Plaines vs Oak Lawn
How do childcare center rules rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Oak Lawn, IL?
Des Plaines and Oak Lawn have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Childcare centers in Cook County must satisfy Cook County Building Code Chapter 32 occupancy classifications and Illinois DCFS licensing under 89 Illinois Administrative Code Part 407, including egress, fire safety, sanitation, and minimum square-footage requirements.
View full Des Plaines rules →Oak Lawn, IL
Cook County
Childcare centers in Cook County must satisfy Cook County Building Code Chapter 32 occupancy classifications and Illinois DCFS licensing under 89 Illinois Administrative Code Part 407, including egress, fire safety, sanitation, and minimum square-footage requirements.
View full Oak Lawn rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Oak Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| Building code | Cook County Ch. 32 Group E | Cook County Ch. 32 Group E |
| Licensing | DCFS 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407 | DCFS 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407 |
| Indoor space | 35 sq ft per child | 35 sq ft per child |
| Outdoor space | 75 sq ft per child | 75 sq ft per child |
| Health inspection | Cook County DPH food service | Cook County DPH food service |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need a license for in-home daycare?
Yes, if you care for more than three unrelated children. DCFS licenses home daycares under Part 406 with simpler space rules but still requires background checks, fire safety inspections, and annual renewal.
Can a daycare open in any building?
No. Cook County zoning and most suburban codes restrict centers to specific districts and require special-use permits in residential zones, plus fire-rated separations from other occupancies in the building code.
Oak Lawn FAQ
Do I need a license for in-home daycare?
Yes, if you care for more than three unrelated children. DCFS licenses home daycares under Part 406 with simpler space rules but still requires background checks, fire safety inspections, and annual renewal.
Can a daycare open in any building?
No. Cook County zoning and most suburban codes restrict centers to specific districts and require special-use permits in residential zones, plus fire-rated separations from other occupancies in the building code.
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