| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Kansas Department for Children and Families — Child Care and Early Education Licensing |
| Regulatory code | K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq. |
| Infant ratio | 1:3 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:7 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:10 (max group: —) |
Kansas licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Kansas must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Kansas Department for Children and Families under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq..
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:3 | — | Birth–12 months; NOTE: Kansas has one of the strictest infant ratios nationally |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:7 | — | 12–36 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | — | Ages 3–4 years |
Source: K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq., Kansas Department for Children and Families. Always verify current ratios directly with KS DCF.
Kansas licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Kansas childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Kansas Department for Children and Families under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq.. Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Kansas licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Kansas Department for Children and Families. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Kansas are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Kansas Department for Children and Families. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Kansas licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Kansas under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq..
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with KS DCF for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Kansas
The childcare center licensing process in Kansas is administered by Kansas Department for Children and Families. The general steps are:
- Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families — Child Care and Early Education Licensing to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a KS DCF licensing analyst verifying compliance with K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq. physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Kansas Department for Children and Families. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Kansas Department for Children and Families — Child Care and Early Education Licensing.
Official resource: https://dcf.ks.gov/services/CSS/Pages/ChildCare.aspx
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Kansas classroom approaches ratio limits required under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq..
Frequently asked questions: Kansas childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Kansas Department for Children and Families before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Kansas Department for Children and Families — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Kansas
Also in this guide: Kansas Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Kansas Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Kansas Preschool Requirements