How to start a daycare in Kansas.
Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC) licenses child care centers in Kansas. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
Opening a child care center in Kansas, step by step
Choose your type of care
Decide what kind of care you will offer: home, center or school-age.
Source: How to Open a Licensed Child Care FacilityAttend an orientation
Ask your local licensing specialist to schedule your orientation. Do not apply until you attend it.
Source: How to Open a Licensed Child Care FacilityMeet local codes
Your center must meet local rules for fire protection, water supply and sewage.
Source: Kansas Laws for Licensing Child Care Facilities (September 2026)Send your application
Send a complete application, online or on paper.
Source: How to Open a Licensed Child Care FacilityClear background checks
Everyone who works or regularly volunteers at your center needs a background check.
Source: How to Open a Licensed Child Care FacilityPass the first survey
In a commercial building, the first survey happens before any children come. A temporary permit may follow.
Source: How to Open a Licensed Child Care FacilityGet your permanent license
You get a permanent license once your center fully meets the rules.
Source: How to Open a Licensed Child Care Facility
At a glance
- Who licenses centers
- Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC), Child Care Licensing. Licenses child care programs of many types, from homes to centers.Source: How to Open a Licensed Child Care Facility
- Child care center
- 13 or more children, 2 weeks to 16 years old, for more than 3 hours a daySource: Types of Licensed Care
- Indoor space
- At least 28 square feet per childSource: Kansas Laws for Licensing Child Care Facilities (September 2026)
- Outdoor space
- At least 60 square feet per child using itSource: Kansas Laws for Licensing Child Care Facilities (September 2026)
- Temporary permit
- Up to 90 days after your first applicationSource: Kansas Laws for Licensing Child Care Facilities (September 2026)
- Inspections
- At least once every 12 monthsSource: Types of Licensed Care
Good to know
- Running a day care facility for children under 16 needs a license or temporary permit from KOEC.Source: Kansas Laws and Regulations for Licensing Family Child Care Homes (September 2026)
Run a program in Kansas? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a home daycare in Kansas
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
- Kansas licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Kansas
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Kansas
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a daycare in Kansas?
The first step: Choose your type of care. All 7 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who licenses child care centers in Kansas?
Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC), Child Care Licensing. Licenses child care programs of many types, from homes to centers.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
Questions about childcare in Kansas?
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