Licensing requires a minimum of one annual visit by Health Department Staff for observation
of the child care center's compliance with safety, health, nutrition, space, equipment,
teacher/child ratios, in-service training, personnel management, program plan, program
operation and parent involvement. The Health Department Staff also investigates complaints
regarding child care centers.
Child care center licensing requirements are listed as maximum teacher:child ratios in a
classroom for each age group:
Number
Ages
Requirement
9 infants
birth-12 months & walking
1 teacher for each 3 children
10 toddlers
12 months/ walking-2 1/2 yrs
1 teacher for each 5 children
14 toddlers
2-3 years
1 teacher for each 7 children
20 preschoolers
2 1/2-3 years
1 teacher for each 10 children
24 preschoolers
3 years-kindergarten
1 teacher for each 12 children
35 square feet per child is considered MINIMUM space allowed in
determining the number of children a room is able to serve.
Registered Family Day Care Homes
Registration requires annual completion of a safety self-evaluation form by the provider.
A MAXIMUM of 6 children are allowed in care at any one time including provider's own
children under 12 years. 3 of six may be under 18 months. Registered family day care homes
are NOT visited by the Health Department Staff unless a complaint is received.
Licensed Family Day Care Homes
Licensing requires a minimum of one annual visit by Health Department Staff for observation
of the child care provider’s compliance with safety and health regulations.
The Health Department also investigates complaints regarding licensed day care homes.
Family Day Care Homes are licensed for a maximum of:
Number
Ages
Restriction 1
Restriction 2
10
0-11 yrs
no more than 6 under kindergarten age
1 may be under 18 months
9
0-11 yrs
no more than 6 under kindergarten age
2 may be under 18 months
8
0-11 yrs
no more than 6 under kindergarten age
3 may be under 18 months
The maximum numbers include the provider’s own children under 11 years.
Group Care Homes
Licensing requires a minimum of one annual visit by Health Department Staff for observation
of the child care provider’s compliance with safety and health regulations.
The Health Department also investigates complaints regarding licensed day care homes.
Group day care homes with one adult are licensed for a maximum of:
Number
Ages
12
kindergarten to 11
10
3 to 11
9
2-1/2 to 14
Group day care homes with two adults are licensed for a maximum of:
Number
Ages
Restriction 1
Restriction 2
12
0-11 yrs
no more than 9 under kindergarten age
3 may be under 18 months
10
0-11 yrs
no more than 8 under kindergarten age
4 may be under 18 months
12
18 mo-11 yrs
no more than 5 18 months - 2 1/2 years
The maximum numbers include the provider’s own children under 11 years.
Please feel free to contact us:
Douglas County Child Development Association
935 Iowa St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785.842.9679 or 866.352.1531 (toll free)
email: ajenny@dccda.org
Anna Jenny, Executive Director