Child Care Provider Questions

Here are answers to the questions that we often receive from child care providers.

Questions about Licensing and Renewal

You need to contact Eldonna Chesnut at 913-477-8366 to set up an appointment for a one-on-one meeting.

Who do I call to ask about starting an in-home daycare business?

Please call 913-477-8339 to talk with our staff.

What type of home can be used for home child care in Johnson County?

If you are thinking of starting an in-home child care business, you need to contact your city. Cities have different requirements and regulations which they will explain to you. You will also need to contact your fire department to make sure that your home meets their requirements.

Under what circumstances does Kansas law NOT require a license for child care?

There are three circumstances where licensing is not required:

When irregular child care is arranged between friends and neighbors on an exchange basis.
When child care is provided in the child's own home.
When the child care is provided in the home of the child's relative.

Can I keep my home daycare license current even though I'm closing my daycare?

Yes, but you will be subject to an annual inspection including meeting required training and regulations. Best practice would be to close and re-apply when you are taking children again. If you are a school year only child care, please contact us for more information by calling 913-477-8339.

When is my county renewal fee due?

The county fee is due upon receipt of the letter sent by the county. Both homes and centers will receive invoices for annual fees and compliance checks. If you need to discuss payment options, please call the contact number on the invoice to talk with someone in the Child Care Licensing Division.

A new Fire Life Safety Agreement (FLSA) was not included in my renewal paperwork for my home daycare. Do I need to send one in?

You are required to call your local fire department to let them know that you will continue providing child care in your home. The fire marshal will tell you if another inspection is required. If not, the current FLSA and date of the last inspection is sufficient. A copy of the FLSA needs to be sent to KDHE with your renewal papers.

Questions about Training and Regulations

Where can I find the training requirements?

The requirements are located on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's website.

Is orientation training required?

All new applicants are required by regulation to have child care facility orientation training. For information on classes, please call 913-477-8339.

How do I know when to start counting in-service hours in my in-home daycare or daycare center?

Centers and homes have different requirements. Clock hours approved by KDHE are required each licensing year, not calendar year. Extra in-service hours cannot be carried over to the next licensing year.

In my daycare center, do all of my substitute staff members need first aid training?

Yes, all substitutes, volunteers, and staff counting in the ration must have required training, including first aid and signs and symptoms.

Questions from Providers Regarding Care

What are the state regulations for giving an infant Tylenol or ibuprofen for a fever? Is the provider allowed to administer it to any infant with a note or only under special circumstances?

In order for the provider to administer the medication, the parents have to sign the KDHE medication authorization form. The provider has to sign the same form every time the medication is given to the child. The parent should indicate on the form when and why the medication is to be given.

What are the restrictions to wooden swing sets? I have heard that they are no longer allowed at home daycares.

Wooden swing sets are still allowed. You need to know if the swing set is treated with arsenic sealant or other sealant. The wooden sets will follow the same regulations as all swing sets. Ground cover rules apply to all swing sets in homes.

How do I know if a child has head lice?

Kansas State University Research and Extension provides information about head lice in this document. Also, the Kids Health website offers some information especially related to children. Additional information from the CDC on head lice treatment.

What do I do if a parent asks me to sleep their baby on their stomach?

Babies shall sleep on their backs unless the provider has been granted an exception from KDHE (Kansas Department of Health of Environment). Providers are required to have a safe sleep policy and two hours of training on safe sleep practices and SIDS. Call us for sample policies and/or questions.

What ground cover is approved for use under my anchored equipment?

"Play" sand, pea gravel, some mulches. Make sure that you are using an approved product before you install it. Call 913-477-8339 if you have any questions.