Gov. Pritzker Signs Child Care Licensing Redesign Bill into Law

Gov. Pritzker Signs Child Care Licensing Redesign Bill into Law

Gov. Pritzker Signs Child Care Licensing

Redesign Bill into Law

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood marks a major milestone in building a clearer, more consistent early childhood system for providers and families across the state

Springfield, IL - Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the child care licensing redesign legislation (HB 3595) into law. This bill streamlines the license exemption structure and application requirements to provide consistent licensing decisions and reduce delays. It also helps the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) reach another efficiency milestone by updating outdated industry terms in the Act and allowing IDEC to tie background checks to the individual instead of the provider. This legislation reflects extensive deliberation amongst providers, advocates, and state leaders.

"This legislation will allow us to more efficiently and effectively serve Illinois families by streamlining background checks, updating outdated language, and making it easier for providers to run a business," said IDEC Secretary Teresa Ramos. "This law is a tremendous first step to elevate the early childhood profession and reduce administration burden. I am especially grateful for the leadership of Senate Leader Julie Morrison, Rep. Joyce Mason, and Rep. Maura Hirschauer. We are fortunate to have many early childhood champions in the General Assembly."

The bill makes long-needed updates to strengthen child care licensing, reduce administrative burdens, and support the early childhood workforce. Key provisions include:

• Removing outdated terminology, shifting from "day care" to "early care and education" and from "facility" to "provider."

• Clearly defining how licensed-exempt providers are classified so rules are applied consistently and are easier to understand.

• Reducing delays and duplicative steps across the licensing process.

• Updating antiquated requirements to reflect modern early childhood practice.

• Increasing transparency for families and simplifies processes for providers and stakeholders.

• Addressing long-standing challenges around multiple background check requirements when staff transfer from one program to another.

• Streamlining the background check process so they are tied to the individual rather than through the provider.

The legislation also restructures licensing exemptions that will streamline applications, reduce delays, and ensure greater alignment across programs. Exemption requirements will now align with Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) eligibility requirements and will be based on the type of care provided and the age and number of children served, rather than arbitrary rules.

"Child care and early childhood programs are the backbone of communities across Illinois," said Senate Leader Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield). "Good policy starts with listening, and this bill reflects the voices of those working directly with children and families."

"This legislation helps strengthen protections for kids, supports providers who do this important work every day, and allows parents and caregivers to focus on work and providing for their families knowing that their children are in safe, quality care," said Rep. Joyce Mason (D- Grayslake).

"This law is about making sure we are keeping up with the way early childhood programs operate today. Families need a system they can trust, and providers deserve clear, consistent standards." said Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-West Chicago). "I'm proud to see this legislation move forward."

What to expect as next steps for this bill

• Terminology change takes effect immediately.

• IDEC will be preparing their operations to administer background checks once approved by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Illinois State Police (ISP).

• IDEC will implement the new exemption framework by July 1, 2027.

• Park Districts and Municipalities have until July 1, 2028 to comply with the new exemption framework.

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