Start Your Child Care Search |
Thank you for contacting ERC Resource & Referral regarding your child care needs. We hope that you find the information included on this website helpful in your search for child care. For a list of facilities that provide child care in the 785 area code, please don’t hesitate to call us at 785-357-5171 or toll free at 1-800-279-2372. Our call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Resource Specialists are on staff to assist you in finding a list of programs to suit your child care needs. Please note that ERC staff does not personally interview of screen child care providers. It is the responsibility of the family to research all options, check references, and select the best care for their child. The names you receive are referrals only, not recommendations. All services to parents are at no cost and all information shared is confidential. If you prefer to do your own search or must have information outside of our normal business hours, you may use this on-line child care search by clicking on the following link to the Kansas Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (KACCRRA)
Choosing Quality Care |
What Determines High Quality Care?
When considering a child care setting, parents naturally are looking for a warm and nurturing caregiver. But, equally important are two other types of measures that also indicate a quality environment.
The first is the process – what goes on in the program, their procedures, activities and so on and, the second is the structure – the physical environment, the number of providers and teachers and children, the safety features. Both are equally important. When you are considering a child care program, whether it is center-based or a family child care home, here are some questions that you could ask the programs (and yourself) that would help determine if the program provides high quality care.
• What kind of program is provided?
• Do they follow a curriculum?
• How many children are in care? What is the ratio of staff to children? If it is a center, how are the children grouped?
• How long has the facility been licensed?
• What kind of training and certification does the child care staff have?
Parents want their children in a safe environment, with a “warm” caregiver, in a program that provides lots of activities and learning opportunities for their children. All of these qualities are part of an engaging and appropriate setting that many parents consider when choosing child care.
return to topRegulated Care |
All facilities that provide child care are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and local health departments serving each county.
Before selecting a child care facility, parents can receive a provider compliance history check. Requests can be submitted by email to cclr@kdhe.state.ks.us or by mail to KDHE, 1000 SE Jackson, Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612. This process can verify substantial complaints or current non-compliance issues. Families need to allow at least 30 days for a response. There is a nominal administrative cost for this service. Call ERCC at 1-800-279-2372 for the phone number of your local health department.
The following is a list of requirements for regulated child care. This is not meant to be a complete listing of all regulations. For additional information, contact the health department that serves your county.
Family Child Care
Family child care is typically offered in the provider’s home or residence. There are three types of family child care homes – registered, licensed and group licensed.
A registered family child care provider can care for up to six children (including the provider’s own children ) with no more than three under the age of 18 months. In many counties, registered homes do not have an annual inspection, but a fire inspection may be required. (Check with your local fire department of health department regarding special requirements in your community.) Registered providers must:
• Complete an annual written registration form.
• Attend first aid training.
• Maintain health records on all children and adults in the home, including up-to-date immunizations.
• Submit an annual Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) background check on all adults at the facility.
A licensed family child care provider must complete an annual licensing renewal application and have an annual on-site inspection visit, which may also include a fire inspection. Additionally, licensed providers must:
• Attend first aid training
• Maintain health records on all children and adults in the home, including up-to-date immunizations.
• Submit an annual KBI/SRS background check on all adults at the facility.
• Provide documentation of professional development that meets the state’s requirements (15 hours initially and five clock hours annually for renewal)
The capacity of the provider is indicated on their license, which should be posted, and depends on the space in the home and the ages of children in care:
A group licensed family child care provider must meet all of the same requirements and, depending on the ages and numbers of children in care, often requires the presence of another qualified teacher/provider.
People in the process of becoming licensed to do family child care may be issued a temporary permit, valid for 90 days. Typically, a person with a temporary permit has attended an orientation session, submitted their written application to KDHE, and passed the SRS and KBI registry. They may not have yet had their inspection visit and may still have corrections to complete before receiving a permanent license. A provider with a temporary license must follow all of the same regulations, including license capacity.
Child Care Centers
A child care enter must meet the same criteria as licensed homes, but can provide are for 13 or more children. Staff qualifications may include a combination of educations, experience, and training.
Listed below are maximum teacher/child rations per classroom for each age group:
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Cost of Child Care |
The cost of child care will vary, depending on the age of your child, the activities of the program, the education of the provider, and the physical location of the facility. You are encouraged to contact a resource specialist at ERC for detailed information regarding costs in your specific area.
Financial Assistance
SRS – the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services has funding available to help income-eligible families pay for child care in a regulated facility, or by relative or in-home caregivers. Call SRS toll-free at 1-888-369-4777 or visit www.srskansas.org for more information.
Local Assistance – some communities have programs to help families pay for child care. Ask ERC about scholarships available in your area.
Government Assistance – you may be entitled to an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, or both. Information is available at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040.
Military Subsidies – you may qualify for child care subsidy assistance if you are:
• Active Duty (Army, Marines Corps, Navy, and Air Force) military family
• Active Duty National Guard (AGR) serving under Title 10 or Title 32, United States Code (U.S.C.) military families are eligible
For information on how to apply, click on this link: http://www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/mcciyn.php#
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5 Steps to Finding the Right Program |
1. Explore.
Know your options. Choose the child care setting that best meets your family’s needs. Call ERC for your customized referral list.
2. Evaluate.
Consider your preferences. For example, think about the individual learning style of your child (does he/she prefer small groups or large groups?), your family needs, the location and the hours of care.
3. Observe.
Visit at least three programs before making your final decision. Interview prospective providers, and talk to everyone who will be involved in your child’s care. Plan to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes at each interview. Ask about the program specifics such as daily activities and schedules, discipline methods, meal service, fees, and contracts. Ask how long the children in the group have attended the program (high turnover of families can be a “red flag”) and request references from a current and past client families. Take your child with you to see if the program is a good fit for him or her. Pay attention to any uneasy feelings you may have. To help guide you through the interview process, refer to the checklist under final checklist. (make this link to that page)
4. Decide.
Refer to your checklist and notes to make your decision, but, most of all, trust your instincts. Keep in mind that expensive care does not always guarantee the best program for your child and less expensive care does not necessarily mean a poor program. If you have questions about child care business practices or would like additional referrals, call ERC.
5. Follow Up.
You have the right to visit your child’s early care and education program any time your child is there. Making such visits is one way to monitor the quality of care your child is receiving. If you have serious concerns about the health and safety of the program, contact the local child care licensing department immediately. Remember, you have the final responsibility for your child’s care and have the right to change providers whenever you are concerned about your child’s well-being or happiness.
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Successful Child Care Search |
The interview and selection process is unique for every parent and childcare provider. Suggestions to help you make the best decision possible and establish a lasting partnership with your provider are listed below:
return to topTop Ten Tips from Parents
1. Child care is a profession. Find out how long teachers have been providing care and what are their long-term career goals.
2. Keep all scheduled appointments when interviewing or meeting with providers. If you need to cancel, call.
3. There is a correlation between education and high-quality child care. When interviewing, ask the provider how many hours of training she has attended. Find out if the provider has earned a national credential (CDA) or national accreditation.
4. References should be provided upon request. It is your responsibility to interview the references.
5. Make sure you read and agree to the provider’s contact and policies. Keep a copy for your records. If you feel that the provider is not adhering to her own policies, mention it. Small issues can become big issues quickly.
6. Pay on time. Your child care provider is operating a business and depends on you.
7. You will need the provider’s tax I.D. number for file taxes. It is the parent’s responsibility to ask for this information. If needed, ERC can supply you with a copy of the W-10 form requesting the information you need from the provider.
8. Pick up your child on time. If an emergency prevents you from being on time, call.
9. Plan to visit your child at the facility often and unannounced to see what goes on throughout the day. Notify the health department in our county of any child care situation where you believe the children are at risk.
10. Communicate openly with your provider about your child and his/her progress as well as any concerns you may have. Look for opportunities to get involved. Working together is key to making the partnership work!
Final Checklist |
You can print off this list or click here for a pdf file to print and take it with you when you interview prospective programs.
□ Is there a substitute or assistant? What are their credentials?
□ The license or registration certificate that indicates the number of child the program can serve should be posted.
□ The facility should be clean and arranged in an orderly manner.
□ The outdoor play area should be safe, with space for the children to play freely.
□ Ask to review the Notice of Survey Findings showing results of the latest inspection by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
□ Disciplinary methods should be consistent and acceptable. Spanking is against Kansas child care regulations. A copy of the discipline policy should be posted or given to parents in writing.
□ Interactions between the provider and children should be warm and appropriate. Children should be treated with respect and valued as individuals. The caregiver should set reasonable and consistent limits, as well as respond promptly if a child is in distress or needs assistance.
□ Children should be supervised at all times.
□ A daily schedule should be followed that has a balance of active and quiet activities, with activities that are age-appropriate.
□ The facility should have enough games, puzzles, blocks, dress-up clothes, books and are materials to allow children to select activities that interest them.
□ Nutritious meals and snacks should be served. Foods that can cause choking should not be served.
□ Health and safety practices should be established and followed. Poisons and other dangerous substances should be locked up.
□ All children and adults in the child care facility should wash their hands frequently.
□ There should be no smoking in the facility during business hours.
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Credentials and Accreditation |
Research clearly shows that education and specialized training in early childhood practice positively impacts the quality of an early learning program. Ask about the teacher’s credentials.
The National Child Development Associate (CDA) program credentials qualified teachers who work with children birth to age five. Teachers who earn a CDA complete:
• Hands-on experience with a specific age group
• Formal child development training and education
• Observations by a qualified advisor
• A professional resource file
• Gathering of parent questionnaires
• An oral interview and written test
Accreditation is a stamp of quality that means a program meets nationally recognized guidelines for high quality early care and education. Child care centers may be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Family child care providers may be accredited through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). School-age programs may be accredited through the National School Age Care Alliance (NSACA).
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Kansas Quality Rating System |
What is KQRS?
The Kansas Quality Rating System is a 5 Star quality rating system for child care centers, preschools, Head Start facilities, faith-based preschool programs and family child care homes. Participating child care programs receive a comprehensive assessment that results in a 1 – 5 Star Quality Rating (5 Stars is the highest possible rating). Assessment is followed with on-site technical assistance to help the program make strategic improvement to overall quality.
KQRS is the changing face of quality improvement in Kansas; participants receive a variety of supports to assist in quality improvement efforts. Child care programs have access to a Quality Improvement (QI) Coach who can help the program set and achieve goals to make program improvements. Participants are eligible for quality improvement grants that can be used to purchase materials, equipment or pay for accreditation fees that will improve overall program quality. Staff/providers in participating KQRS sites are eligible for college scholarships (through T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® KANSAS) and salary supplements (through Child Care WAGE$® KANSAS).
Service Areas
KQRS is currently available in selected communities across Kansas; the Kansas Association of Child Care Resource and Referral continues to advocate for funding to make KQRS available in all communities across the state. Current Resource & Referral agencies that provide KQRS services include:
• Child Care Connection
• Child Start, Inc.
• Cloud County Community College Early Childhood Resource and Referral
• ERC Resource and Referral
• The Family Conservancy
KQRS Rating Components
KQRS measures quality in five key areas and assigns points based on quality level of each component. Those points are then added together and an overall Quality Rating score is assigned (Star Rating). Download and read the following document to learn more about the quality rating score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should a child care program participate in KQRS? How is a program rated in KQRS? Who provides the KQRS services? For answers to these and many other questions about the Kansas Quality Rating System, please visit the Kansas Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies at: http://www.kaccrra.org/PARbuilding.shtml
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Child Care Aware |
Join Child Care Aware for free and have access to family-friendly publications, child care search tools, glossary of child care terms, budgeting assistance, videos and connect with a national network of other parents and families.
http://www.childcareaware.org/
