To make a day care request, contact your caseworker with your day care plan as soon as possible. The caseworker may have questions and must determine that the day care plan for the child or children is appropriate. The day care application should be part of the caseworker’s packet when the child is placed, if day care is needed.

You and your caseworker will:
• complete the day care application (CFS 2002). Include spouse information if applicable;
• make sure to see the provider in person and be sure that the provider has the skills and physical capacity to care for the child;
• obtain the three signatures required: caregiver, caseworker and day care provider;
• attach needed documentation of employment and/or training:
– employment documentation may be a recent check stub or employer letter stating hours worked per week or tax forms for self-employed caregivers;
– training documentation can be a copy of your current class schedule or a letter from the school or training program; and
– disability documentation is a doctor’s letter detailing the extent of the disability if one parent is employed and one parent is disabled.

Keep copies of the application submitted, and all required documentation of employment or training. In case of loss or future questions, you will have what you need at your fingertips.

Your caseworker will determine if the potential day care provider is licensed to care for children according to guidelines for age and capacity. Unlicensed providers will have to have a CANTS background check.

Submit the completed application and all documentation to your regional DCFS Office Day Care Service Unit or the Office of Child Development (for Cook County cases) at 312-808-5060.