Becoming a Licensed Child Care Provider

While DHS manages the child care subsidy program, licensed providers are licensed through DCFS. If you are interested in becoming a licensed child care provider in the state of Illinois, you must apply at the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Non-licensed providers who wish to care for subsidized children through this program, must pass a background check consisting of three elements:

• CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check
• Illinois and/or National Sex Offender Registries (SORS)
• Criminal Background Check (done through fingerprinting)

Your Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency will inform you of which elements need completed and how to do this. Use the

Illinois Department of Human Services
JB Pritzker, Governor · Dulce M. Quintero, Secretary Designate

IDHS Help Line
1-800-843-6154
1-866-324-5553 TTY

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