The proposed bill aims to reform child care licensing in Kansas by establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, which will oversee day care licensing, parent education programs, and the child care subsidy program. Key changes include the introduction of specific qualifications for program directors and lead teachers based on the number of children served, the removal of the requirement for licensees to live in the child care home, and the establishment of a process for licensees to apply for temporary waivers from certain statutory requirements. The bill also emphasizes the importance of health, safety, and operational standards for child care facilities, while creating new funds for licensing fees and criminal background checks.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Kansas Children's Cabinet and introduces a fee structure for licensing amendments, with a maximum fee of $35. It mandates that the Secretary of Health and Environment, in collaboration with the Secretary for Children and Families, develop rules to ensure the safety and welfare of women and children in maternity centers and child care facilities. The legislation also includes provisions for conducting national criminal history record checks on employees in child care facilities and establishes a child care criminal background and fingerprinting fund. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the licensing process while ensuring that child care providers meet essential standards for the safety and development of children, with all provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-1901, 38-2103, 48-3406, 65-503, 65-527, 65-504, 65-505, 65-508, 65-512, 65-501, 65-516, 65-531, 72-4161, 72-4162, 72-4163, 72-4164