How to Apply: Finding Childcare in Illinois

A guide on finding childcare providers in Illinois

Types of childcare providers in Illinois

There are two main categories of childcare providers in Illinois: licensed providers and license exempt providers.

Licensed careproviders are day care centers, day care homes and group day care homes.

License exempt providers can be a relative, neighbor, friends or other adult that provides childcare.

How can I find a licensed care provider?

• Online - Illinois has a statewide search tool that anyone can use to find a licensed care provider.
• Local Resources - You can contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency. These groups are often called CCR&Rs. The can answer specific questions and refer you to providers in your area. Find your local CCR&R on the bottom of this page.

Who can I choose as a license exempt care provider?

If you qualify for Illinois Child Care Assistance Program you can select a license exempt provider to care for your children. This individual must been a few requirements:

Age: The person providing care must be 18 years old or older.

Relationship: You can choose a family member, or another adult, to look after your children. The person you choose cannot live in the same household as the child they will look after. For example:

If your sibling lives with you, they cannot be chosen as a license exempt care provider.

• If your sibling lives in another home, you can choose them as a license exempt care provider.

Background check: If your chosen provider is not related to you or your child, they must pass a background check. For example:

• If your neighbor is going to look after your children, and you are not related, they will need to pass a background check.

How many children can a license exempt provider look after?

Normally, a license exempt provider can only look after 3 children. This includes any of their own children who they would look after when they are also taking care of your children. There can be an exception to this rule if you have more than 3 children. For example:

• If you have more than 3 children and your chosen provider is not looking after any other children, then they can care for all of your children.

How do I use a license exempt provider for CCAP?

Complete your CCAP application: Fill out the online or paper application available through the IDHS website, at a local office, or using Mirza's Quick Apply. Enter your chosen provider's information when prompted.

Tell your provider to keep an eye on their mailbox: Your chosen provider will receive a packet that includes the final steps needed to begin receiving payment for providing care.

If you have questions or need help with you or your provider's application find your local CCR&R here or use the table below!

Illinois CCR&Rs

4C: Community Coordinated Child Care (815) 758-8149 444 East Hillcrest Drive, Suite 300. DeKalb, IL 60115

For McHenry County (815) 344-5510 667 Ridgeview Rd. McHenry, IL 60050

Illinois Action for Children

(312) 823-1100

Child Care Resource & Referral

(815) 741-4622

801 N. Larkin Ave. Suite 202, Joliet, IL 60435

Child Care Resource and Referral of Midwestern Illinois

(309) 205-3070

3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 102Moline, IL 61265

Child Care Resource & Referral Network

(309) 828-1892

207 W. Jefferson St. Suite 301Bloomington, IL 61701

Child Care Resource Service

(217) 333-3252

University of Illinois905 S. Goodwin Avenue314 Bevier HallUrbana, IL 61801

Child Care Resource & Referral Eastern Illinois: University Eastern Illinois UniversityChild Care Resource and Referral Ninth Street Hall

217-581-7081

600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920

West Central Child Care Connection

(217) 222-2550

WCU Building, Suite 610510 Maine Street Quincy, IL 62301

Community Child Care Connection

(217) 525-2805

2801 W. Lawrence Ave Springfield, IL 62704

Brightpoint Child Care Resource & Referral

800-847-6770, Ext. 360

2133 Johnson Road Granite City, IL 62040

601 James Thompson Blvd. East St. Louis, IL 62201

Project CHILD: Child Care Resource & Referral

(618) 244-2210projectchild.net

327 Potomac, Suite CP.O. Box 827Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

Child Care Resource & Referral John A. Logan College

(800) 548-5563700 Logan College DriveCarterville, IL 62918

Who do I contact about my CCAP application status?

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)

Phone: 1-800-843-6154 (Customer Service Center)

Email: DHS.Eligibility@illinois.gov

Website: Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Local IDHS Offices: Find your nearest office using the IDHS office locator on the website.

Last updated November 25, 2025