225 ILCS 10/3.01: License or permit; Department of Early Childhood.

(a) No person, group of persons or corporation may operate or conduct any early care and education center, early care and education home, or group early care and education home without a license or permit issued by the Department of Early Childhood or without being approved by the Department of Early Childhood meeting the standards established for such licensing, with the exception of facilities for whom standards are established by the Department of Corrections under Section 3-15-2 of the Unified Code of Corrections and with the exception of part day programs described under paragraph (1) of subsection (d-10) of Section 3, and with the exception of programs or facilities licensed by the Department of Human Services under the Substance Use Disorder Act.

(b) No part day program as described in paragraph (1) of subsection (d-10) of Section 3 may operate without written notification to the Department of Early Childhood or without complying with Section 7.1. Notification shall include a notarized statement by the provider that the provider complies with state or local health standards and state fire safety standards, and shall be filed with the Department every 2 years.

(c) The Secretary of Early Childhood shall establish policies and coordinate activities relating to licensing of early care and education centers, group early care and education homes, and early care and education homes.

(d) Any provider or agency which is exempt from licensing may apply for licensing if licensing is required for some government benefit.

(e) A provider of early care and education described in subsection (d-5) or (d-10) of Section 3 is exempt from licensure. The Department of Early Childhood shall provide written verification of exemption and description of compliance with standards for the health, safety, and development of the children who receive the services upon submission by the provider of, in addition to any other documentation required by the Department of Early Childhood, a notarized statement that the provider complies with: (1) the standards of the Department of Public Health or local health department, (2) the fire safety standards of the State Fire Marshal, and (3) if operated in a public school building, the health and safety standards of the State Board of Education.