State laws for child care providers in Kansas are established by the Department of Health and Environment.
In Kansas, the agency responsible for establishing the regulations for daycare centers and issuing licenses is the Department of Health and Environment. All child care facilities are required to meet set standards in order to legally provide child care services. These standards are established to ensure that children are safe and cared for by competent individuals.
Licenses
The state of Kansas requires any child care facility to be licensed through the Department of Health and Environment. A license can be obtained once all standards have been found in compliance with the state requirements and the application completed and returned with all necessary documentation of inspections, employee information and the licensing fee of $15 for facilities with 12 children or less and no more than $70 for facilities with more than 12 children. Licenses must be renewed yearly, requiring inspection of the facility by a department agent and submission of application for renewal along with required documents, including records for employees and children in the care of the facility.
Staff Requirements
State law requires that class teachers be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent, and six months of teaching experience, or the equivalent training in child care or child development. Teaching assistants, aides and volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, with any staff under the age of 18 being supervised at all times while caring for children. All staff must submit to a health screening including a TB test, and a criminal background check.
Facility Requirements
Child care facilities are required to pass a fire inspection as well as an inspection from the Department of Health and Environment prior to being licensed and must pass inspections prior to subsequent renewal of the child care license. In order to pass these inspections, the facility must meet the state standards. All fire exits must be unobstructed, electrical outlets outfitted with child safety covers when not in use, all harmful chemicals kept out of reach in a secured area, the kitchen area kept clean and supervised while children are present. The facility must provide adequate space for the children, following the guidelines for each age group. All equipment used for and by the children must be maintained and safe. Emergency numbers should be posted, and the emergency evacuation plan should be clearly posted in each room. The outside play area should be located in a safe area and it should be inspected for hazards prior to each use.
Tags: child care, Department Health, Department Health Environment, Health Environment, area should, care facilities
