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Kansas Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Kansas.

Kansas Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with KS DCF)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	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.

Kansas preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs 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..

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (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 with KS DCF.

Kansas preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Kansas childcare center license require a director meeting Kansas Department for Children and Families’s qualification standards under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq.. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Kansas must meet minimum education requirements set by Kansas Department for Children and Families. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Kansas-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Kansas

Private preschool programs in Kansas follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Kansas Department for Children and Families:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Kansas Department for Children and Families center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Kansas Department for Children and Families — Child Care and Early Education Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Kansas Department for Children and Families’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq..
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

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

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Frequently asked questions: Kansas preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Kansas need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Kansas that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Kansas Department for Children and Families under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq.. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Kansas preschool teacher need?

Kansas preschool teacher credential requirements are set 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 lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Kansas preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Kansas Department for Children and Families in Kansas, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. Contact KS DCF to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Kansas?

Kansas may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Kansas?

Kindergarten in Kansas is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Kansas Department for Children and Families. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Kansas Department for Children and Families under K.A.R. 28-4-113 et seq. (Child Care Centers); KSA §65-501 et seq. and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Kansas Department for Children and Families for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

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.

Also in this guide: Kansas Childcare Center Requirements, Kansas Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Kansas Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Kansas Department for Children and Families at https://dcf.ks.gov/services/CSS/Pages/ChildCare.aspx before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.