Wichita, KS Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Home child care providers in Wichita must hold a license issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment under K.S.A. 65-506 and the Kansas Child Care Licensing regulations. Three license categories apply to home settings. A Day Care Home allows up to 10 children including the provider's own children under age 11, with limits on infants and toddlers. A Group Day Care Home allows up to 12 children with one assistant. A Family Day Care Home is a smaller category historically allowing 6 children. KDHE requires background checks for the provider and any household member 14 or older, CPR and first-aid certification, TB screening, an in-home inspection, fire safety review, and pre-service orientation training. Annual continuing education and license renewal are required. The City of Wichita allows licensed home child care as a permitted home occupation in all residential zones; no separate city zoning permit is required as long as the state license is current and the operation complies with home occupation standards (parking on driveway, no signage). A drop-off and pick-up plan that avoids on-street parking is essential to prevent neighbor complaints. Pools, trampolines, and firearms in the home are subject to additional KDHE safety requirements.