Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-070
Child care facilities must require blood lead level screening for admission (Chicago Lead-Bearing Substances Ordinance)
Operative Text
Any person who owns or manages a day care center, day care home, preschool, nursery school, kindergarten or other child care facility licensed or approved by the State of Illinois or the department, including such programs operated by a public school district, shall require that each parent or legal guardian of a child between the ages of six months through six years provide a statement from a physician or health care provider that the child has been screened for lead poisoning. This statement must indicate that the screening of the child has been performed in accordance with applicable criteria mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the commissioner. This statement shall be provided prior to admission and subsequently in conjunction with required physical examinations. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any child to undergo a blood lead level screening or test whose parent or guardian objects on the grounds that the screening or test conflicts with his or her religious beliefs. (Added Coun. J. 11-5-93, p. 40561; Amend Coun. J. 12-13-06, p. 94902, § 1)
Under Chicago Municipal Code § 7-4-070, licensed or approved child care facilities — including day care centers, preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and similar programs operated by public school districts — must collect a physician's or health care provider's statement confirming that each child between six months and six years of age has been screened for lead poisoning before the child is admitted. The screening must meet standards set by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the city commissioner, and must be updated in connection with required physical examinations. A religious-belief exemption exists: no child may be compelled to undergo screening if a parent or guardian objects on religious grounds.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators and managers of child care facilities covered by § 7-4-070 generally maintain an admissions process that collects a signed physician or health care provider statement for every child aged six months through six years before that child's first day. Compliant facilities also track when updated statements are due in connection with required physical examinations and keep those records on file. Facilities should be aware of the religious-belief exemption and have a documented procedure for handling such objections at intake.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Parents and guardians whose children attend or are applying to a licensed Chicago child care facility have a right under § 7-4-070 to understand what lead-screening documentation is required for admission. If a family holds a sincere religious objection to blood lead level screening, the provision explicitly protects the right to object without the child being denied admission on that basis alone. Families who believe a facility is not following this provision correctly may contact the Chicago Department of Housing or the relevant city licensing authority, or reach out to a tenant- or family-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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