Kansas childcare licensing is administered by the Department of Health and Environment. All facilities providing care for 13 or more children must be licensed. As of July 1, 2026, oversight is transitioning to a new Director of Early Childhood per HB 2045. Kansas allows lead teachers (18+) to supervise assistants (16+) without requiring full education requirements for assistants.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (2 weeks–12 months) | 1:3 | 9 |
| Toddlers (12 months–2.5 years) | 1:5 | 10 |
| Preschool (2.5 years–school age) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School age | 1:15 | 30 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per KDHE schedule required on file.
Medical/Health Assessment
Physician-signed health report required for enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years for lead teachers. 16 years for assistants supervised by a qualified lead.
Background Check
State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check required for all staff.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent ECE coursework required for lead positions.
Assistant Education
Assistants (16+) may work under direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required. Contact KDHE for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director qualification requirements set by KDHE. Contact the licensing office for current standards.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact KDHE Child Care Licensing to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact KDHE for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
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