License Exempt Centers

License-Exempt Center Certification

A license-exempt childcare centeris a program that operates without a license from the State of Illinois. These centers are responsible for demonstrating that they meet the requirements for exemption under 89 Illinois Administrative Code Part 377.

To qualify as license-exempt, the center must:

  • Provide proof of eligibilityby showing it meets the appropriate exemption criteria outlined in state regulations.
  • Certify its exemption statusby formally stating that the facility or program is not required to be licensed.
  • Request official verificationfrom the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) confirming that the exemption is valid.

Submitting Confirmation of Exemption Certification

To participate in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), license-exempt centers must submit proof of their exemption certification as follows:

  • New Centers:
    Submit the approved confirmation of exemption to the local CCR&R agency to begin the CCAP eligibility process.
  • Existing Centers:
    Submit a current renewal of the exemption certificationprior to its expiration date to ensure continuation of CCAP payments.

Staff and Volunteer List Requirements

A complete and accurate staff and volunteer list must be maintained for all individuals working in or supporting the child care center. This list should include:

  • Directors and administrators
  • Teachers and assistant teachers
  • Support staff (e.g., aides, kitchen staff, custodial staff)
  • Student workers and interns
  • Part-time employees
  • Substitute staff
  • Migrant, seasonal, and summer camp workers
  • Volunteers


Background checks

  1. To be in compliance, license-exempt centers must ensure that all employees and volunteers whose duties require the employee or volunteer to be present during the hour’s children are present in the facility complete background checks. In addition, any person who is permitted to be alone with children receiving care in the facility is subject to a background check requirement. This applies to all current and conditional employees or volunteers as well as any individual used as replacement or supplemental staff in the direct care and supervision of children.
  2. License-exempt centers must maintain verification of background check compliance and have them available for review by DHS CCAP or any of their representatives immediately upon request, which may be made during an onsite monitoring review or at any other time in written or printed format.

 

Submission Requirements

  • New License-Exempt Centers:
    Once the center is approved, a list of all current staff and volunteers must be submitted to the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency.
  • Existing License-Exempt Centers:
    An updated staff and volunteer list must be submitted to the Health and Safety Coach whenever there is any change in personnel within the facility.

Training Requirements

  • All staff and volunteers must complete state-required Health and Safety trainings.
  • New employees or volunteers are required to complete all trainings within 90 days of their hire date.
  • Review

Monitoring Requirement

  • All license-exempt centers are required to participate in an annual monitoring visit to ensure compliance with program standards and regulations.