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Starting July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially become the lead agency for Child Care Licensing, Head Start State Collaboration Office Grant, Home Visiting, Early Intervention and the Child Care Assistance Program, Early Childhood Block Grant, and a range of other early childhood support to families, providers and educators.

Should you have any questions related to this transition please reference our Transition FAQ’s (PDF). Should you need further support visit our Contact page where you can submit your questions. We are excited to continue this journey with you!

For Providers

Early childhood education and care services of all types are delivered by professionals; they are most commonly referred to as “providers.” Providers is a term used to describe educators, child care center or home business-owners, center directors, teachers, teachers-aids, home-visitors, and the full range of specialists.

Early Intervention Providers, include speech therapists, audiologists, developmental therapists and more. If you are a physical therapist or occupational therapist or another specialist interested in serving families with young children who are entitled to services, please visit the Early Intervention provider page.

If you’re a child care or preschool provider or thinking about becoming one, you’re in the right spot. If you want to turn your home into a child care business, visiting the licensing page to learn more. 

Are you a provider who wants to be approved to serve families who receive financial aid through the child care assistance program? Learn more at the CCAP for Provider page. 

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a home-visitor, visit the Home Visiting page.

If you have a question that is not answered here or you need more information, please email Questions.idec@illinois.gov