Home Daycare: Des Plaines vs Skokie
How do home daycare rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Skokie, IL?
Des Plaines and Skokie 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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Home daycare in Skokie is primarily regulated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) under 89 Ill. Adm. Code 406 (family child care homes) and 408 (group homes). Family child care homes may care for up to 8 children (no more than 3 under age 2); group homes up to 12 children with an assistant. Skokie's zoning code permits licensed home daycare as a home occupation with conditions.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| State License | DCFS required | DCFS required |
| Family Home | Up to 8 children | Up to 8 children |
| Group Home | Up to 12 children | Up to 12 children |
| Background Check | All adults required | All adults in household |
| City Contact | (847) 391-5300 | - |
| Village Contact | - | (847) 933-8284 |
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.
Skokie FAQ
Do I need a license to run a home daycare in Skokie?
Yes. Illinois DCFS requires a family child care home license for caring for more than 3 unrelated children. Skokie zoning permits licensed home daycare as a home occupation 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 Skokie 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 the Community Development Department.
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