Bill to streamline childcare licensure requirements introduced in Kansas
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - A new bill that would streamline and clarify licensure requirements for childcare providers in Kansas has been introduced to legislators.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says that on Friday, Jan. 31, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced an early childhood compromise bill to streamline licensure processes and consolidate existing programs into the Office of Early Childhood.
“By consolidating services, we can better our youngest Kansans and provide communities with the tools they need to increase access to affordable, quality care,” Gov. Kelly said. “This compromise agreement will increase government efficiency, transparency, and ability while streamlining how we provide these critical services, allowing Kansas to young families, businesses, and communities in every corner of the state.”
Under the proposal, the Governor indicated that early childhood licensure and regulatory requirements would be streamlined with clarified professional qualification requirements and clear career progression pathways. The bill also authorizes the use of pilot programs for new licensure categories and eliminates the required fee.
“This bipartisan child care bill removes the burdensome government red tape and provides additional child care slots to communities all across Kansas, both rural and urban,” said Senator Tory Marie Blew, Kansas Senate District 33. “I look forward to getting this bill across the finish line and helping Kansas families.”
According to Kelly, the bill consolidates nearly 20 existing programs meant to children and families into a single entity: the Office of Early Childhood. These programs include licensing, subsidy, home visitation, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, and the Head Start programs.
The Governor noted that the Office would be led by an executive director who would serve as the state’s lead for the services. The current staff and program costs would be retained as they already exist in state government.
“Access to safe, high-quality childcare is essential for Kansas families and our workforce. This legislation provides a bipartisan solution that simplifies regulations, improves government efficiency, and removes unnecessary barriers that have limited childcare availability,” said Representative Laura Williams, Kansas House District 30. “By streamlining processes while upholding strict safety standards, we are creating a system that s children, increases access, and ultimately makes childcare more affordable for families across the state.”
Kelly said the proposal follows recommendations of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force.
“This bipartisan compromise will propel Kansas early childhood system forward and be transformative for children and families,” said Senator Pat Pettey, Kansas Senate District 6. “By ing this legislation, we can increase government efficiency, expand access to high-quality child care, and provide our children the best possible start.”
The bill was introduced in the House Commerce, Labor an Economic Development Committee and in the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.
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