Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas will pay for the state licensing, background checks, and fingerprinting fees for child care providers seeking new licenses or renewing existing ones through 2025, or until the funds run out. This will help new providers lower their start-up costs and support current providers in keeping their licenses.

Since 2021, Kansas has been covering these fees using federal funds from pandemic relief. Additional funding is being provided through reallocated Governor Emergency Education Relief (GEER) money. The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will manage this funding, as they oversee child care licensing.

Covering these fees will reduce the overall costs for starting a child care business, making it easier for providers to get licensed and ensure safer care. This move also shows the Kelly administration’s commitment to supporting Kansas’ child care workforce.

Local governments may have their own fees unrelated to the state’s, so providers should check with their local health departments or resource agencies for more information.

“I’m committed to expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care opportunities for Kansas children and families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These funds allow for continued support for child care providers by removing financial barriers.”