Transition

In spring 2025, House Bill 2045 was passed which established the Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC). Effective July 1st, 2026, the child care licensing functions previously housed within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have moved to KOEC. Existing state licensing staff have also moved to KOEC and continue to administer these state functions. 

As KOEC becomes fully operational, the agency is conducting a comprehensive review of resources and information relating to Kansas's early childhood programs to ensure greater consistency across programs. All existing policies relating to these programs remain in effect at this time. Questions regarding child care licensing can be directed to KOEC.cclr@ks.gov. 

Fees

Background Check Fees Reinstated

As communicated to licensed providers on December 3, 2025, KOEC has resumed charging $48 for the cost of comprehensive background check fees. These fees were temporarily waived due to the availability of federal funds. Those funds expired on January 1, 2026. 

Child Care Center / Preschool / HeadStart / School Age Program / Youth Development Program

Family Child Care Home

Contact Us

If you have questions, please contact us through email at koec.cclbackground@ks.gov or by phone at 785-296-1270.

Bulletin

Application Reminder for Summer & Fall Programs

Providers, a reminder that applications for summer and fall programs should be submitted at least 90 days prior to your anticipated opening date. This will ensure KOEC is able to look over all required documentation and work with you to remedy any unforeseen circumstances should they arise.

Trainings

Training approval have centralized at the state level: Child Care Licensing will no longer independently approve trainings. The Kansas Office of Early Childhood, in partnership with Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities (KCCTO), have launched the Career and Professional Empowerment Portal (CAPE). The CAPE portal is the Kansas Early Childhood Professional Development Workforce Registry and it has been designed to enhance and integrate existing tools, resources and technical assistance for the workforce, with features including centralized access to KOEC-approved training. Visit CAPE at yourcape.org. 

Regulations

Regulation Changes in 2024

In 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) undertook a comprehensive review of all licensed family child care homes, child care centers and preschool facilities. Those regulations became effective on August 2, 2024.

Following the passage of House Bill 2045 in April 2025, additional changes to these regulations are required. These regulations are currently in the process of being implemented.  

Watch this section for additional updates and resources.

Related Documents for 2024 Regulation Changes

• Health and Safety Guidance for Family Child Care Homes, Child Care Centers  & Preschools (PDF)
• FAQs (PDF)
• Crosswalk of Regulation Updates (XLS)
• Transition Letter for Family Child Care Homes, Child Care Centers & Preschools (PDF)
• Staff Child Ratio Guidance - KAR 28-4-428 (PDF)