Section 225 ILCS 10/5.1a - [Effective 7/1/2026] Transportation of children; day care centersThe Department of Early Childhood shall ensure that no day care center shall on a regular basis transport a child or children with any motor vehicle unless such vehicle is operated by a person who complies with the following requirements:
(1) is 21 years of age or older;(2) currently holds a valid driver's license, which has not been revoked or suspended for one or more traffic violations during the 3 years immediately prior to the date of application;(3) demonstrates physical fitness to operate vehicles by submitting the results of a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician;(4) has not been convicted of more than 2 offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles within a 12-month period;(5) has not been convicted of reckless driving or driving under the influence or manslaughter or reckless homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle within the past 3 years;(6) has signed and submitted a written statement certifying that the person has not, through the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused a crash which resulted in the death of any person within the 5 years immediately prior to the date of application.However, such day care centers may provide for transportation of a child or children for special outings, functions or purposes that are not scheduled on a regular basis without verification that drivers for such purposes meet the requirements of this Section.
(b) Any individual who holds a valid Illinois school bus driver permit issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to the Illinois Vehicle Code, and who is currently employed by a school district or parochial school, or by a contractor with a school district or parochial school, to drive a school bus transporting children to and from school, shall be deemed in compliance with the requirements of subsection (a).(c) The Department of Early Childhood may, pursuant to Section 8a of this Act, revoke the license of any day care center that fails to meet the requirements of this Section.Added by P.A. 103-0594,§ 95-10, eff. 7/1/2026.