Kansas officials could test flexible child care rules and move programs to a new office

The health and environment secretary could run child care pilots and license programs under waived requirements. Pilots could cover child care facilities and youth development programs in Kansas, including their staff requirements. Licensed programs must follow alternative conditions set to protect children's health, safety, and welfare. The secretary cannot grant a license if a program or its staff would endanger a child. A pilot license could last up to five licensure years. A program that took part while related rules were being adopted could receive up to two additional years.

The bill would place child care licensing and listed early childhood programs under a Kansas office of early childhood. The listed programs include child care licensing, child care assistance, parent education, and home visitation. The governor would appoint the office's director, who must receive Senate confirmation before exercising the director's duties. The department for children and families would keep its authority under the cited laws. Program transitions would begin by January 1, 2026, and the listed programs would be under the director's supervision by July 1, 2026.

The proposed fee rules would set no annual license fee for a child care facility. The fee rules cover licenses for day care facilities and child care resource and referral agencies. The executive director would set fees by rule for child care resource and referral agencies, capped at $150. Fees already in effect would continue until a different fee is set by rule. This fee provision would take effect July 1, 2026.