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Crawford and Bourbon Counties
Child Care Licensing Information for Crawford and Bourbon Counties

Contact: Kelly Cumiskey-Barnes, 620-231-5411 ​(Ext. 322)
[email protected]

If interested in opening a child care business, call Kelly to schedule a New Provider Orientation.
$30 orientation fee for Home Daycare.
$50 orientation fee for Centers.

Categories of Care:  Licensed Day Care Home, Group Day Care Home, Preschool and Child Care Center.

Cherokee and Neosho Counties
Child Care Licensing Information for Cherokee and Neosho Counties

Contact: Christin Jones, 620-231-5411
[email protected]

If interested in opening a childcare business, call Christin to schedule a New Provider Orientation.
$30 orientation fee for Home Daycare.
$50 orientation fee for Centers.

​Categories of care:  Licensed Day Care Home, Group Day Care Home, Preschool and Child Care Center. 

How to Become a Licensed Child Care Provider
Being a licensed child care provider can be a rewarding career path that can allow you to be your own boss while connecting with families in your community. In fact, for someone who loves kids, being a child care provider may not even feel like a job at all. Yet, if you are looking to start an in-home daycare, you may be unsure what steps you need to take, or what regulations you need to follow, in order to establish a legal at-home daycare service in your area. We are here to help guide you.

Become a Licensed Child Care Provider:

• Work from home
• Set your own rates and hours
• Be your own boss
• Stay home with your children
• Follow your passion for working with kids!
• Grants may be available to you (location based)

Financial Support Available Now
Child care is an in-demand profession right now and plenty of financial incentives are available to help new businesses get started.

• The State of Kansas has currently waived all application and background check processing fees.
• Child Care Aware of Kansas has up to $2,500 available for new providers to assist with costs like salaries, business supplies, local fees, and child appropriate toys.
• Child Care Aware of Kansas is also distributing non-competitive grant money that can be used for a wide variety of expenses.
• KCCTO has scholarships available to help you reach your training and education goals.

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NEW PROVIDER ORIENTATOIN SCHEDULE: 

All sessions will be held at the Crawford County Health Department and begin at 9AM.

410 E. Atkinson Ave., Pittsburg, KS 66762

Please note: This orientation is for Crawford and/or Bourbon County residents ONLY. Individuals MUST PRE-PAY when signing up.  ** $30 orientation fee. 

• Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 9AM
• Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 9AM​

For more information, contact Kelly at the Health Department by email: [email protected]

​Using Licensed Child Care
Using licensed child care has numerous benefits and consumer protections. Licensed child care facilities are inspected annually at a minimum to ensure they are meeting the minimum safety standards set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Regulations require providers to be able to pass a background check, complete health and safety focused trainings, meet environmental safety standards, and more. Regulations for child care facilities help to ensure your child will be safe while in licensed care.

 Benefits of Using Licensed Child Care:

• Mandatory safe sleep training and practices
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Balanced, nutritious meals
• Environmental safety requirements
• Annual inspections

Child Care Resources:
> KDHE Child Care Licensing Information
> Looking for Child Care?
> Review a Licensed Facility’s Inspection Results

Frequently asked questions

Who has to be licensed?

​With few exceptions, anyone who provides care for children (other than those related by blood, marriage or adoption) must be licensed with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, regardless of why they provide the care or if there is advertisement of or payment for services, according to Kansas law. The law permits nanny care to be unlicensed (watching a child in their own home), relative care (up to a certain degree removed), and for someone to watching up to two children for twenty cumulative hours per week.

What are the costs of licensure?

Orientation: 

• Homes: $30
• Centers/Preschools: $50

County Inspection Fee: 

• Homes: $30
• Centers/Preschools: $50

Application Fee for KDHE: Currently being waived.
Fingerprinting: Varies depending on location.
Health and Safety Training: $20
First Aid/CPR: Varies by instructor.
​Other costs may include: Child Safety Devices, Cots/Mats, Bedding, Books, Toys, etc.

What are the minimum requirements for getting licensed?

​You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED and be able to pass a fingerprint background check. We do not license apartments.

Where can i find the regulations?

​You can find state regulations for child care facilities at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website.

am i required to have insurance on my daycare?

​There is not a regulation requiring specific insurance for your daycare. You are required to have full coverage on any vehicles used for transporting daycare children.

How long does it take to get a license?

​The process can take up to 90 days to get a temporary permit allowing you to open your daycare.