Home Daycare: Evanston vs Skokie
How do home daycare rules compare between Evanston, IL and Skokie, IL?
Evanston and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Evanston | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State License | - | DCFS required |
| Family Home | - | Up to 8 children |
| Group Home | - | Up to 12 children |
| Background Check | - | All adults in household |
| Village Contact | - | (847) 933-8284 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Evanston and Skokie compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool