Home Daycare: Downers Grove vs Naperville
How do home daycare rules compare between Downers Grove, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Downers Grove.
Downers Grove, IL
DuPage County
The Illinois Child Care Act establishes uniform licensing for home daycare operations, preempting local rules that would prohibit licensed family child care homes in residential zones.
View full Downers Grove rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville treats home daycare for 7 or fewer individuals as a customary home occupation exempt from the 25% floor area limit. State licensing is required for larger operations. Home daycare must comply with Illinois DCFS licensing standards.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downers Grove | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | 225 ILCS 10/ (Child Care Act) | - |
| Family home | Up to 8 children | - |
| Group home | Up to 12 children | - |
| Licensing agency | Illinois DCFS | - |
| Zoning status | Permitted residential use | - |
| Exempt Capacity | - | 7 or fewer individuals |
| Floor Area Limit | - | Exempt from 25% rule |
| State License | - | DCFS (3+ unrelated) |
| Group Home | - | 8-16 children, special license |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downers Grove FAQ
Do I need a license to run a daycare from my Illinois home?
Yes, if you care for more than three unrelated children. DCFS licensing requires background checks, training, home inspection, and compliance with the Child Care Act and 89 Ill. Adm. Code 406.
Can my city zone out home daycares in Illinois?
No. Licensed family day care homes are treated as residential use statewide, and municipalities cannot prohibit them from districts that allow single-family residences under DCFS regulations.
How many children can a licensed home daycare serve?
Family day care homes may serve up to 8 children including the provider's own. Group day care homes with a qualified assistant may serve up to 12 children with age-mix limits.
Naperville FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in Naperville?
Yes. Home daycare for 7 or fewer individuals is a customary home occupation exempt from the 25% floor area limit. State DCFS licensing is required for caring for more than 3 unrelated children.
Do I need a special zoning permit for home daycare?
For 7 or fewer individuals, no special permit is needed beyond the home occupation status. Larger operations (8-16 children) may require a conditional use permit and a DCFS group home license.
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