Types of Care
By calling our toll-free at 1-877-678-2548, you can find out which child care providers have openings in your area. Using a computerized database of all licensed child care providers, the resource & referral trained referral counselor is able to search by geographical area, age of children, hours of operation, and other specialized needs. In addition, you can receive information on how child care resource and referral works; a packet of specialized materials with resources on parenting and choosing child care; referrals to other agencies; and answers to specific questions about your child care needs.
Types of Care
Licensed Day Care Home
A child care facility in which care is provided for a maximum of ten (10) children under 16 years of age and includes children under eleven (11) years of age related to the provider. This total includes children under eleven (11) years of age related to the provider. The total number of children in care at any one time is based on the ages of the children in care.
Registered Family Day Care Home
A residence in which care is provided by the applicant for not more than six children form birth to 16 years of age with not more than three children under 18 months of age. All children under 12 years of age related to the provider are included in the total.
Child Care Centers
A child care facility in which care and educational activities are provided for 13 or more children two weeks to 16 years of age for more than three hours and less than 24 hours per day including day time, evening, and night-time care, or which provides before
and after school care for school-age children. A facility may have fewer than 13 children and be licensed as a center if the program and building meet child care center regulations.
Preschools
A child care facility which provides learning experiences for children who have not attained the age of eligibility to enter kindergarten prescribed in K.S.A 72-1107(c) and any amendments thereto, and who are 30 months of age or older; which conducts sessions
not exceeding three hours per session; which does not enroll any child more than one session per day; and which does not serve a meal. the term "preschool" shall include education preschools, Montessori schools, nursery schools, church-sponsored preschools, and cooperatives. A preschool may have fewer than 13 children and be licensed as a preschool if the program and facility meets preschool regulation. In lieu of being licensed, preschool operated in the same building as private schools Preschools providing kindergarten through grade six shall be governed by Kansas statutes applicable to private school. The license for the preschool states the maximum number of children that can be in care at any one time and also states the maximum number of children than can be in care in any one unit by age group. Staff to child ratios must be maintained at all times.
Group Day Care Home
A child care facility in which care is provided for a maximum of twelve (12) children under 16 years of age and includes children under eleven (11) years of age related to the provider. The total number of children in care at any one time is based on the ages of
the children in care.
Relative Care
Sometimes called family care and often confused with home child care relative care is just that: one of your relatives — a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or second cousin — caring for your child in your home or theirs.
If you have questions please call:
Child Care Licensing and Registration,
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612-1274
Phone: (785) 296-1270
FAX: (785) 296-0803
cclr@kdhe.state.ks.us
Narrowing your search
Once you have a list of child care providers who might meet your needs, it is time to find the one who is right for you and your child. Start by visiting several child care homes or centers and follow these simple steps.
- LOOK: Think about your first impressions, but also take the time to watch how the provider interacts with the children; look at the kinds of toys and learning materials which are available; and think about how safe the environment is for children. Once you have narrowed down your choices, return a second time and stay for as long as possible to get a true feel for the provider and the facility.
- LISTEN: Observe how the children play together and listen for sounds of laughter and involvement. Listen to how the teachers talk to the children. Places which are too quiet or too noisy should raise some concern.
- COUNT: Count the number of children compared to the number of teachers. Obviously, the fewer the number of children for each adult, the more attention your child will receive. Infants and toddlers particularly need an adult who is not trying to tend too many children.
- ASK: Ask about the education and background of teachers. Find out if the program is accredited and if teachers are involved in ongoing professional development. High quality settings will be happy to answer these questions.
- BE INFORMED: Find out more about efforts in your community to improve the quality of child care. Is the caregiver involved in these efforts? How can you get involved? Call your local child care resource & referral program for information on what is going on in your area.
Searching for child care can take a lot of time, but be assured that all the effort will be worth it. Children and parents who are satisfied with their child care arrangements are less likely to feel stress in other parts of their lives. Children can build strong relationships with their caregivers, and develop and grow in a safe and loving environment with their peers. Parents can relax knowing their child is well cared for in a safe, nurturing, educational environment. We are available with information to help you make this important child care decision.
