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Starting July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood officially became the lead agency for Child Care Licensing, the Head Start State Collaboration Office Grant, Home Visiting, Early Intervention, 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. Should you need further support visit our Contact page where you can submit your questions. We are excited to continue this journey with you!

Proposed Rules and Amendments

Below are the IDEC rules that are currently going through the rulemaking process. This page will be updated as rulemaking actions are completed. To View any IDEC rules as they are currently in effect, go to the Rules Currently in Effect page.

Emergency Notices

  • Emergency Notice for Title 23, Part 2060 (previously Title 89, Part 50), Child Care
    • Proposed changes: Emergency amendments to Sections 2060.230 (Child Care Eligibility) and 2060.320 (Maximum Monthly Income and Parent Fee). They updated the Child Care Assistance Program’s (CCAP) income eligibility limits and parent co-payment schedule to the current Federal Poverty Guidelines, as required each year. The amendments took effect July 1, 2026, so the new limits and fees apply from the start of the state fiscal year.
    • Text of Rulemaking: Part 2060, Child Care.pdf
    • Status: Emergency rules effective July 1, 2026, and expires on November 27, 2026. Published in the July 10, 2026, Illinois Register, Volume 50, Issue 28, Page 9077.

First Notice

Public comment may be submitted on any item for which the deadline has not yet passed, either via email (DEC.Rules@Illinois.Gov) or via mail (addressed to Deputy General Counsel, Illinois Department of Early Childhood, 115 S. LaSalle St, Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60603).

  • Proposed rules on Title 2, Part 6100, IDEC Public Information, Rulemaking, and Organization
    • Proposed Changes: Define the procedures governing the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) rulemaking process and the methods by which the public can request information or submit comments regarding IDEC programs, activities, and related subjects. 
    • Text of Rulemaking: Title 2, Part 6100, IDEC Public Information, Rulemaking, and Organization.pdf
    • Status: Public comment period ends July 10, 2026. Published in the June 26, 2026, Illinois Register, Volume 50, Issue 26, Page 8699.
  • Proposed rules on Title 4, Part 2120, Americans with Disabilities Act Grievances Procedure
    • Summary of Action: Set forth procedures to resolve grievances asserted by qualified individuals with disabilities against the Illinois Department of early Childhood to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 USC 12101 et seq.].
    • Text of Rulemaking: Title 4, Part 2120, Americans with Disabilities Act Grievances Procedures.pdf
    • Status: Public Comment ends September 7, 2026. Published in the July 24, 2026, Illinois Register, Volume 50, Issue 30, Page 10758.

Second Notice

After First Notice period ends and JCAR accepts IDEC’s Second Notice documents, the rulemaking will be listed below. JCAR’s upcoming meeting agendas can be found on the JCAR Meeting Agenda page.

  • Proposed amendments for Title 23 Part 2060 (previously Title 89, Part 50), Child Care
    • Proposed Changes: Amend Sections 2060.230 (Child Care Eligibility) and 2060.320 (Maximum Mofnthly Income and Parent Fee) to update the Child Care Assistance Program’s (CCAP) income eligibility limits and parent co-payment schedule to the current Federal Poverty Guidelines, as required each year. This will enshrine current emergency rules that expire on November 27, 2026.
    • Second Notice Version: https://ilga.gov/documents/commission/jcar/SecondNotices/890050-2609077r02.pdf
    • Status: Will be heard during November 17, 2026 JCAR meeting.