Background Checks for Day Care Centers, Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Homes

Licensing authority for day care centers, group day care homes and day care homes moved to the newly established Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) as of July 1, 2026. At this time, Illinois DCFS continues to process these background checks on behalf of IDEC. 

New day care center (not yet licensed)

• Inquires to become a new licensed day care center can be sent to questions.idec@illinois.gov. 
• Note: Please do not submit background check forms to the Background Check Unit until instructed by an IDEC licensing representative. 

Existing day care center (already licensed with a Provider ID)

• Submit new background check requests using the CFS 718-B-DC for prospective employees (provisional) via the Background Check Portal. 
• Submit a background check renewal for staff via the Background Check Portal. 

The Background Check Portal allows designated day care center administrators to:

• Search the DCFS database to see if an applicant has fingerprints on file with DCFS. 
• Submit Authorizations for Background Checks (CFS 718-B DC). 
• Allow approved administrators/executives to check the status of background checks for their employees or prospective employees. 

Portal access 

• All Background Check Portal users must register using an email address and password. All information is confidential and shared only with authorized designated administrators.  
• Note: As this time, the Background Check Portal is for day care center-related background checks. The Background Check Portal does not process group day care home and day care home requests.  

To register: 

• Go to https://AccountManagement.dcfs.illinois.gov/Register.aspx to register your email account. 
• Complete the Background Check Portal Access Request Form and send it to: DCFS.BCP.ADMIN@illinois.gov. Please note approval may take up to five business days. 

New group day care home (not yet licensed)

• Inquires to become a new licensed group day care home can be sent to questions.idec@illinois.gov. 
• Note: Please do not submit background check forms to the Background Check Unit until instructed by an IDEC licensing representative. 

Existing group day care home (already licensed with a Provider ID)

• Submit new background check requests using the CFS 718-B-DC for prospective employees (provisional). to DCFS.dch.authos@illinois.gov. 
• Submit a background check renewal for staff to DCFS.dch.authos@illinois.gov. 

New day care home (not yet licensed)

• Inquires to become a new licensed day care home can be sent to questions.idec@illinois.gov. 
• Note: Please do not submit background check forms to the Background Check Unit until instructed by an IDEC licensing representative. 

Existing day care home (already licensed with a Provider ID)

• Submit new background check requests using the CFS 718-B-DC for prospective employees (provisional) to DCFS.dch.authos@illinois.gov. 
• Submit a background check renewal for staff to DCFS.dch.authos@illinois.gov.