Find Child Care<\/h1>\n Find Child Care<\/h2>\n \n\n
Finding the right child care provider looks different for every family. The Child Care Aware\u00ae of Kansas easy-to-use search tool helps you navigate your options within our state-wide database of care providers to find the right fit for your family. Narrow down providers through filters like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Your child\u2019s age<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Location and hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Number of openings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Years in operation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type of facility<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DCF provider status<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Financial assistance programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n FIND CHILD CARElaunch<\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n
*You will be asked to create an account<\/p>\n
or call 877-678-2548<\/a> for immediate support Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n <\/div>\n \n \nUnderstanding your child care\u00a0options<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Understanding your child care\u00a0options<\/strong><\/h2>\n \n\n
There are many child care options available, depending on what your family is looking for from a provider. The most significant decision is whether you prefer a child care center or an in-home provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Licensed Center-Based Child Care:<\/strong>
With more caregivers on staff, child care centers usually have more options than in-home providers. Many have structured, classroom-like environments with age-specific activities and set hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nCenters<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\nChild care centers are typically larger facilities with different-aged classroom-like environments. These programs are typically open 8-10 hours per day.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\nHead Start <\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\nThese are free federal education programs for children from eligible low-income families. Early Head Start is for ages 0-3; Head Start is 3-5. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\nLicensed Preschools <\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\nPreschool sessions are offered for a max of three hours for children aged 30+ months who are ineligible for kindergarten. Licensed preschools don\u2019t serve a meal. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n Learn More About Head Start<\/span>\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n
School-Age Programs:<\/strong>
School-age programs are for kindergarten through 6th graders, usually before and\/or after school or during summer break. These programs are often run by schools or community partners, offering students community and school-based care outside the traditional school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLicensed Home-Based Child Care:<\/strong>
Home-based child care facilities are usually operated within a provider\u2019s home, but can be offered in other settings. The provider has the ability to choose the age ranges they serve, scheduling, and availability, as long as they comply with state and federal guidelines. In-home facilities are usually more flexible with days and times of care and are required to provide daily activities.
If you receive Child Care Assistance from the Kansas Department for Children and Families, certain relatives may be eligible to provide home-based care for your children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nLicensed Family Home<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\nFamily child care homes have one adult who cares for as many as 10 children at a time, depending on the children’s ages.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\nLicensed Group Home<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\nMost group child care homes have two adults who care for as many as 12 children, depending on the children’s ages.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n \n\nHow to choose quality child care<\/h1>\n
How to choose quality child care<\/h2>\n \n\n
As you can tell, there\u2019s a lot of information to consider when weighing your child care options. We\u2019ve simplified it into a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right child care provider for your family\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n Step 1<\/span>Understand your child care options\u00a0<\/span><\/a>\n\n \n\nUse the child care search from Child Care Aware of Kansas to compare providers that may meet the criteria you have in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use this to narrow down best-fit providers based on your family\u2019s needs \u2014 including location, hours, cost, type of program, and results of child care inspections. Then, you can review what providers have availability when you need it.
Find Child Care<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n Step 2<\/span>Determine your budget<\/span><\/a>\n\n \n\nYour budget will play a big part in the final decision. Your weekly or monthly child care cost will vary depending on the type of child care you choose, your specific provider and your child\u2019s age.
To figure out how much you can afford to spend on child care, use Child Care Aware\u2019s budget calculator.
Make My Budget<\/a>
Need financial assistance?<\/strong>
You may be eligible for financial support through the Kansas Department for Children and Families Child Care Assistance program. Find out if you\u2019re eligible for this financial assistance program today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDetermine My Eligibility<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
There may also be additional program-level financial assistance resources available. For instance, you qualify for a scholarship, a sibling discount, or reduced fees based on your income, family size or other factors. Ask your provider if their program offers any of these resources.
<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n Step 3<\/span>Meet with multiple providers<\/span><\/a>\n\n \n\nDoing your research is about asking the right questions. Here are a few questions to ask potential providers: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Are you licensed?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What is your adult-to-child ratio? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How are children supervised? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What health and safety training do caregivers receive? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have background checks been performed for all staff members? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What is the rate of staff turnover?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are there spaces for indoor and outdoor play? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What does an average day look like? Is there a balance of play, learning, and rest? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How do you handle discipline, nutrition, transportation safety, and emergency preparedness (like pediatric first aid and CPR)? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have all staff members been trained in safe sleep practices? <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Find answers by visiting child care providers in person, speaking with them over the phone, or browsing their websites. You can also review their health and safety inspection reports<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more things to consider, check out our quality care checklist: English<\/a> | Spanish<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n Step 4<\/span>Ask for a sample contract<\/span><\/a>\n\n \n\nA child care contract is an agreement between the provider and the parent or guardian that outlines the terms of care. These contracts contain important information that you can use to compare your options, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Rates and fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Schedule, including vacation and holidays <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sick child policies, including which adults have permission to pick up your child <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Disenrollment procedures <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This information may also be covered in a parent handbook or other statement of policies or procedures. You can ask the provider for this information as well. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n Step 5<\/span>Stay involved<\/span><\/a>\n\n \n\nEven after your child is enrolled in child care, it is still a good idea to continue learning about your provider and stay involved with your child\u2019s care.
Here are a few ways to stay involved:<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Volunteer:<\/strong> Ask your provider about coming in to read a story or joining the class for a field trip or other activity. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask for updates: <\/strong>If you can\u2019t spend time in person, request regular updates from your provider about the program and your child\u2019s progress. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check in with your child: <\/strong>Be sure to check in with your child. Does he\/she like their caregivers? Is he\/she learning and having fun?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you suspect a problem, file a complaint with KDHE<\/a>. An on-site visit will be conducted to determine regulatory compliance. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n \n\nStill can\u2019t find a quality care provider?<\/h1>\n
Still can\u2019t find a quality care provider?<\/h2>\n \n\n
You started your search early, followed all the steps and still can\u2019t find an appropriate care provider. Now what? Take a deep breath. You still have options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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- Try a different location. If you\u2019ve been looking near your home, check for places near work or on your commute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get on the waiting list at every program that could work for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask a relative if they are willing to enroll with DCF<\/a> as a provider to care for your child.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Join efforts in your community<\/a> to help increase child care options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reach out to a Child Care Resource & Referral specialist for support. These individuals work on your behalf to find new opportunities and help you explore new options for your family.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n CALL A REFERRAL SPECIALIST<\/span>\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n Become a Child Care Provider<\/span>\n<\/a>\n\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n <\/div>\n \n \n24\/7 Support:
1-800-332-6378<\/h1>\n24\/7 Support:
1-800-332-6378<\/h2>\n \n\nNo question is too big or too small when it comes to parenting. Connect with resources and services in your community with 1-800-CHILDREN or 1-800-332-6378<\/strong>, powered by Kansas Children\u2019s Service League. Free and confidential support is available in English, Spanish, and multiple other languages.
Find support near you<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n - Join efforts in your community<\/a> to help increase child care options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask for updates: <\/strong>If you can\u2019t spend time in person, request regular updates from your provider about the program and your child\u2019s progress. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Volunteer:<\/strong> Ask your provider about coming in to read a story or joining the class for a field trip or other activity. <\/li>\n\n\n\n