Early Care and Education

Early childhood research supports the importance of early childhood education and care in the lives of children. The early childhood years (through 5 years old) are often taken for granted, but the experiences of a child during this time can set the stage for success throughout life. As a parent/caregiver, the choices you make in early care and education for your child are foundational to their healthy growth and development.

Preschools sitting at a table playing with blocks

Early Learning Standards

Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS)

Licensing and Monitoring Process

Child care programs licensed by the state of Illinois’ Department of Family and Child Services (IDCFS) must meet foundational requirements for quality established by state licensing guidelines.

Quality Rating ExceleRate Illinois

ExceleRate Illinois helps you find an early learning provider who makes quality a priority.

Six students sitting on the floor, clapping their hands

IDHS Contact Information as Lead Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) partners with child care providers throughout Illinois and the Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies to help families access affordable, quality child care.