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 DHS Office Locator to locate your local CCR&R.