DoorWorthy

Who needs a child care center license in Kansas?

Issued by Kansas Office of Early Childhood, Child Care Licensing (from the Department of Health and Environment, July 1, 2026), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in Kansas

Needs it

Does not need it

A center cares for 13 or more children (fewer with a preschool license). Apply with the zoning approval, the fire and health inspections, the floor plan and the director’s qualifications; every staff member and volunteer clears the background check before the first child is enrolled. Licensing staff and policies moved from KDHE to the new Office of Early Childhood on July 1, 2026.

Draft. This row was drafted from the agency’s own page and has not yet been confirmed against it. Confirm it with the agency before you pay anything.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Kansas Office of Early Childhood, Child Care Licensing (from the Department of Health and Environment, July 1, 2026).

Sources and dates

Office of Early Childhood child care licensing pages and forms; KDHE form CCL-201a (revised June 2025); K.S.A. 65-505. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.