Enrollment
Eligibility
Utilize the list below to ensure that you have all the required documents to complete your application. Incomplete applications will delay processing. Note that applying does not guarantee placement. If your child is eligible but a vacancy is not available, your child will be placed on a wait list.
- Complete the Application
- Provide verifiable income for all primary adults living in the household of the enrolling child. Verifiable income information can include any of the following: the parents two most recent and consecutive checks stubs, W2s from all employment, filed income taxes, income verification form with the rate of pay and number of hours worked, letter from employer on company letterhead documenting income that includes rate of pay and number of hours worked, child support, unemployment, or SSI income.
- If receiving TANF Cash, provide documentation from the state of Illinois.
- Full Time Employment or School/Training Verification (if applicable)
Letter from school registrar, official transcript, official letter of enrollment to state program term. Two current check stubs, all W2’s for employment in 2020 and filed taxes for 2020. If you are newly employed and do not have w2’s or filed taxes, you will need to submit an income verification form for your employer to complete.
- If the family states their living situation is temporary and unstable, they will be asked additional information to determine whether they qualify. This information is subject to verification.
- Provide Original Birth Certificate to verify the enrolling child’s age.
- Provide the child’s current physical on a DHS physical form that will be provided as well as a dental for any child that is at least 18 months old on a dental form that will also be provided in order to enroll in the program.
- Other documents needed at the time of eligibility determination: Driver’s license or state ID, IFSP/IEP documentation.
- Complete the IDHS Child Care Application.
Click here to view 2021 Poverty Guidelines
NOTE: INCOME MUST BE VERIFIED FOR ALL PARENT/GUARDIAN(S) LIVING IN THE HOME THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME. INCOME IS AN ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATION FOR EARLY HEAD START ONLY. IF YOUR CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR TEMPORARY LIVING A (HOMELESS VERIFICATION LETTER/QUESTIONAIRE) MUST BE COMPLETED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE 3 MONTHS OF FREE CHILDCARE.
Enrollment Forms
Download Enrollment Form (PDF)
