Kansas Home Daycare Law: Statewide Home Business Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: K.S.A. 65-503
Regulator: KDHE Child Care Licensing
Family home capacity: Up to 10 children
Background check: KBI required

Full Breakdown

K.S.A. 65-503 et seq. requires any home caring for unrelated children for compensation to register or be licensed by KDHE. Licensed family day care homes may serve up to ten children with strict ratios, while group day care homes allow more with additional staff. Providers must complete background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, immunization documentation, CPR/first aid training, and pass home inspections. KDHE rules preempt local attempts to weaken requirements, though zoning may impose additional reasonable restrictions consistent with state law.

Violations & Penalties

Operating an unlicensed daycare exposes providers to KDHE cease-and-desist orders, civil fines, and possible criminal misdemeanor charges under Kansas child care licensing statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Kansas in-home daycares need a state license?

Yes. K.S.A. 65-503 requires KDHE licensure for any home caring for unrelated children for pay, regardless of city or county location.

How many children can a Kansas family day care home serve?

Family day care homes may care for up to ten children, including the provider's own, with KDHE-set age ratios and supervision requirements.

Kansas Family Day Care Home Licensing Statewide Rules