Kansas Childcare Licensing
Kansas Childcare Licensing Fees (2026)
Kansas childcare licensing carries an application fee at first licensure and, in most cases, a recurring fee at renewal. For a day care home, group day care home, or child care center, the nonrefundable license/application fee is $75 plus $1 times the maximum number of children to be authorized under the license; for a preschool the fee is $15 if license capacity is 12 or fewer children, or $35 plus $1 per child not to exceed $75 if capacity is 13 or more children (K.A.R. 28-4-92).
Licensing Agency
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health, Child Care Licensing Program →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamKansas Licensing Fees: The Specifics
For a day care home, group day care home, or child care center, the nonrefundable license/application fee is $75 plus $1 times the maximum number of children to be authorized under the license
K.A.R. 28-4-92
for a preschool the fee is $15 if license capacity is 12 or fewer children, or $35 plus $1 per child not to exceed $75 if capacity is 13 or more children (K.A.R. 28-4-92).
K.A.R. 28-4-92
The same license fee schedule applies at renewal and is paid annually
K.S.A. 65-505
per K.S.A. 65-505 the license fee "shall be paid to the secretary of health and environment when the license is applied for and annually thereafter," and any licensee who fails to renew within 30 days after expiration "shall pay to the secretary the renewal fee plus a late fee in an amount of $75 or equal to the fee for the renewal of a license, whichever is greater" (K.S.A. 65-505).
K.S.A. 65-505
Kansas Licensing Fees at a Glance
| Application fee | For a day care home, group day care home, or child care center, the nonrefundable license/application fee is $75 plus $1 times the maximum number of children to be authorized under the license; for a preschool the fee is $15 if license capacity is 12 or fewer children, or $35 plus $1 per child not to exceed $75 if capacity is 13 or more children (K.A.R. 28-4-92). |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | The same license fee schedule applies at renewal and is paid annually; per K.S.A. 65-505 the license fee "shall be paid to the secretary of health and environment when the license is applied for and annually thereafter," and any licensee who fails to renew within 30 days after expiration "shall pay to the secretary the renewal fee plus a late fee in an amount of $75 or equal to the fee for the renewal of a license, whichever is greater" (K.S.A. 65-505). |
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Kansas Licensing Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Kansas childcare license cost?
For a day care home, group day care home, or child care center, the nonrefundable license/application fee is $75 plus $1 times the maximum number of children to be authorized under the license; for a preschool the fee is $15 if license capacity is 12 or fewer children, or $35 plus $1 per child not to exceed $75 if capacity is 13 or more children (K.A.R. 28-4-92).
What is the Kansas childcare license renewal fee?
The same license fee schedule applies at renewal and is paid annually; per K.S.A. 65-505 the license fee "shall be paid to the secretary of health and environment when the license is applied for and annually thereafter," and any licensee who fails to renew within 30 days after expiration "shall pay to the secretary the renewal fee plus a late fee in an amount of $75 or equal to the fee for the renewal of a license, whichever is greater" (K.S.A. 65-505).
Are Kansas licensing fees refundable?
In most states, licensing application fees are non-refundable even if the application is denied or withdrawn. Confirm the refund policy with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health, Child Care Licensing Program before paying.
Kansas childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Kansas administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health, Child Care Licensing Program before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.