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Licensed Daycare in Chicago, Illinois

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in Chicago, Illinois?

Our directory lists 184 licensed childcare centers in Chicago, Illinois, sourced from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Chicago?

Statewide averages in Illinois run roughly $1340/month for infants and $960/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Chicago daycares?

All licensed Illinois centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Chicago typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Chicago?

Illinois families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS (intake: (877) 202-4453). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Use this page to find a licensed daycare or preschool program close to you. All facilities below appear in the state's public licensing roster.

184

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,340/mo

Illinois avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Chicago

ChildCare Aware reports the Illinois average full-time cost at $1,340/month for infant care and $960/month for preschool. City-level prices in Chicago vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Illinois families may also qualify for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS (intake: (877) 202-4453).

Full Illinois licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 68 kids

ZIP codes covered

60654 32 60632 14 60651 12 60628 12 12 60640 11 60644 10 60614 10

Program types in Chicago

Licensed Child Care Center

26 centers

Montessori School

24 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

24 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

24 centers

Preschool Program

22 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

22 centers

All Chicago licensed centers

Page 2 of 2

E Preschool

Elgin Sunflower Daycare #282

Chicago

Preschool (2-5) Cap 68

E Preschool

Explorer Kids Elgin #290

Chicago

Preschool (2-5) Cap 88

E Preschool

Explorer Kids Naperville #146

Chicago

Preschool (2-5) Cap 104

L Preschool

Little Hearts Chicago #370

Chicago

Preschool (2-5) Cap 118

L Preschool

Little Hearts Naperville #114

Chicago

Preschool (2-5) Cap 111

N Preschool

Naperville Children's Place #122

Chicago

Preschool (2-5) Cap 78

N Preschool

Naperville KinderSmile #106

Chicago

Preschool (2-5) Cap 16

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Chicago, Illinois?

Our directory lists 184 licensed childcare centers in Chicago, Illinois, sourced from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Chicago?

Statewide averages in Illinois run roughly $1340/month for infants and $960/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Chicago daycares?

All licensed Illinois centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Chicago typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Chicago?

Illinois families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) via IDHS (intake: (877) 202-4453). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Chicago daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Illinois Department of Children and Family Services — Day Care Licensing search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.