What are the basic requirements to start a family child care business?
There are a variety of options to consider in starting a family child care business. Some family child care homes require a license in our state, while others do not. • If providers care for four or more children under the age of 12, including their own children, they are required to get a license from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). • Family child care providers do not need a license if they care for three or fewer children, care for children from one household, or care only for children related to the provider. Licensing sets basic health and safety procedures and standards for family child care providers and their homes. Illinois divides licensed family child care into two categories: child care homes and group child care homes. A child care home provider cares for fewer children than does a group child care home provider. A group child care home provider often utilizes an assistant on either a part- or full-time basis.
