Child Care is vital to the success of our communities. Opening a child care center or home program gives parents in your community the opportunity to work while knowing their child is being cared for. Opening a child care program brings revenue into your community and for yourself while providing you with an opportunity to offer a vital service.
4-C is here to help you start your child care business. Whether you are looking to start a Child Care Center or a Family Child Care Home, we have staff that can walk you through the process.
Our staff is available to help with the following:
- Provide information, technical assistance and resources on opening and operating a child care business.
- Explain legal care options and the steps to being listed in our Referral database.
- Offer “How to Start a Successful Family Child Care Business” individual and group workshops. A free binder of information is given to all participants.
- Consult on topics such as marketing, contracts and policies, record keeping, interviewing prospective families, professionalism, and communicating with families.
- Visit programs new to our referral database.
- Refer providers to other 4-C and statewide services and supports.
- Assist with accessing training to meet DCFS Licensing Pre-service requirements and Child Care Assistance Program requirements.
Contact our Recruitment and Retention Team to get started today!
If you live in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties please contact us at: 815-758-8149 x230 or email
If you live in McHenry, DeKalb and Carroll Counties please contact us at: 815-344-5510 x120 or email
Child Care Licensing
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licenses child care programs. Visit the DCFS Sunshine website and look under the Quality Day Care tab, here you will find Licensing Standards for Centers, Homes, and Group Homes.
For specific licensing questions please contact your local DCFS office using the info below.
- In Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties, contact: DCFS in Sterling 815-625-7594
- In DeKalb and Ogle Counties, contact: DCFS in DeKalb 815-787-5300
- In McHenry County, contact: DCFS in Woodstock 815-338-1068