Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family. Here's what to look for, what to ask, and how to feel confident in your choice.
Choosing child care can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into a few simple steps can help you find a program that feels right for your child and family.
Explore: Know your options. Think about location, hours, group size, and what kind of environment your child does best in.
Evaluate: Consider what matters most to your family — your schedule, your budget, your child's age and personality.
Observe: Visit at least three programs before making a decision. Plan for 30 to 60 minutes at each visit. Bring your child if you can.
Decide: Trust what you saw and how you felt. Pay attention to any uneasy feelings. The right fit exists.
Kansas families have several licensed child care options. Each has its own advantages depending on your child's age, your schedule, and what your family needs.
Care provided in a child care provider's home, typically with smaller groups and flexible scheduling.
Child Care Centers
Facility-based programs that often offer structured environments, age-specific activities, and set hours. Includes Head Start programs and preschools.
School-Age Programs
Before and after school care and summer programs for K–6 graders, often run by schools or community partners.
Learn More
About Licensed Child Care in Kansas
Child care programs in Kansas can become licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
Licensing means a program has met state requirements for health, safety, staff background checks, and inspections. When you search through CCAKS, every provider on our list is licensed by the state.
You can check a child care provider's current license status and compliance history online through KDHE's website before you visit.
Child care can be a significant expense, but financial assistance may be available. Programs such as child care subsidies, military fee assistance, tax benefits, and flexible spending accounts can help reduce costs.
Child Care Assistance: Kansas families may qualify for programs that help offset child care costs, including DCF Child Care Assistance, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and provider discounts. Families receiving DCF assistance may also be eligible to use certain relatives as child care providers.
Military Subsides: You may qualify for child care subsidy assistance if you are an Active Duty military family or Active Duty National Guard (AGR) serving under Title 10 or Title 32, United States Code (U.S.C.). Visit childcareaware.org for information on how to apply.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account (FSA): lets eligible employees use pre-tax dollars to pay for child care expenses. Contact your employer or tax advisor for more information.
The interview and selection process is unique for everyone. Use these tips to help you make the best decision for your family and establish a lasting partnership with your child care provider.
Look for a posted Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) state license which will show the capacity of the facility based on space and the ages of children in care. See below for more details on child care licensing. Check a provider’s compliance and license status online here.
Poisons, medications, weapons, and other dangerous substances should be locked up. All children and adults in the facility should wash their hands frequently. Look for working smoke detectors and that electrical outlets are covered. There should be no smoking during business hours. Ask to see the provider’s most current CPR and First Aid certificate.
It is important that the level of supervision is appropriate to the age group and their needs. In general, younger children need to be more closely supervised and will require a higher adult/child ratio.
Children need to be actively supervised at all times, even when the children are sleeping. Ask how often children are visually checked while napping, and where the infants sleep.
A daily schedule with a balance of indoor and outdoor, active and quiet, and age-appropriate activities should be followed. There should be enough games, blocks, dress-up clothes, books, etc., to allow children to select activities that interest them. The outdoor area should be safe, with space to play freely. Ask the provider for a tour of the indoor and outdoor space used for play and learning activities.
The facility should allow you to visit your child at any time and should be accepting of your family’s cultural values. Ask the provider about family nights, conferences, or volunteering opportunities that are available.
Have Additional Questions?
Our Resource Specialists help families navigate child care choices every day. Give us a call and we'll help you figure out the right next step.
KOEC exists to strengthen early childhood systems by improving efficiency, transparency, and safety in state programs, funding, and policy implementation.
This online tool guides policy and helps measure the impact of early childhood services across Kansas, including child care, home visiting, Pre-K, and Part C early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
The Local Area I Workforce Development Board exists to connect employers to a motivated workforce having skills to obtain and maintain meaningful employment throughout its 96-county community.
“After struggling through the child care search and long waitlists, finding Child Care Aware was a game changer. The website was easy to use, and the personal follow-up made all the difference. I only wish I had found it sooner!”
Jessica, Kansas Mother
This work is more than a job. It’s a calling. But it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and, at times, isolating. That’s why having Child Care Aware of Kansas beside me has made all the difference. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.
Kelly King, Kansas Child Care Provider
Find Child Care Near You
1
Create an Account
You'll need a free online account to view search results. We ask for basic information so we can show you providers that match your family's needs.
2
Explore Child Care in Your Area
Browse licensed providers near you. Filter by location, age group, and availability to find the right fit.
3
We're Here to Help
Can't find what you're looking for?
Call us at 877-678-2548 and a Resource Specialist will help you personally.
