Des Plaines vs Oak Lawn
How do home daycare rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Oak Lawn, IL?
Des Plaines and Oak Lawn 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 →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 | Des Plaines | Oak Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| State License | DCFS required | DCFS required |
| Family Home | Up to 8 children | - |
| Group Home | Up to 12 children | - |
| Background Check | All adults required | - |
| City Contact | (847) 391-5300 | - |
| Family Home Max | - | 8 children |
| Group Home Max | - | 12 children |
| Background Checks | - | All adults |
| Inspections | - | Annual |
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.
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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