Illinois Implemented Most New Criminal Background Check Requirements for Childcare Providers, but Challenges Remain for Unimplemented Requirements

Illinois implemented most of the new criminal background check requirements established under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. However, certain criminal background check requirements for childcare providers remained unimplemented as of March 1, 2018, and significant challenges may delay full implementation until 2019 or 2020. Specifically, these challenges include unavailable finances and staff to process the background checks, data system limitations, and required changes to State laws or policies and procedures. Illinois currently has until September 30, 2018, to implement the new criminal background check requirements. The outstanding challenges may lead Illinois to request an additional 1-year waiver from the Administration for Children and Families to address the challenges and comply with the new requirements.