Changes in child care laws to take effect today

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently announced that on Thursday, child care laws in Kansas will undergo changes.

"KDHE and local health departments are working with child care providers across the state to bring 'Lexie's Law' to fruition," KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby said. "The law increases protections for children and supports families in making informed child care choices."

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2356, also known as Lexie's Law, eliminates the category of registered family day care home, a child care option that has been around for 30 years.

The key points of Lexie's Law:

* Eliminates the category of registered family day care home. There are more than 6,600 licensed and registered day care homes in Kansas. About 2,500 of these are registered family day care homes.

* New applicants must be a high school graduate or the equivalent in order to maintain a child care facility license. This requirement does not apply to existing licensees and registrants.

* Beginning July 1, 2011, all child care facilities will be inspected at least once every 12 months.

* If a license is revoked under certain conditions, the licensee is permanently prohibited from applying for a new license or from working in another child care facility. Current law only has a one-year prohibition on reapplication.

* Requires KDHE to create an online information system for child care open records, making it easier for families and the public to access compliance history. The system is under development.

"This year will be a transition year and priority will be given to inspecting existing registered family day care homes," Rachel Berroth, interim section director for the Early Care and Youth Programs Section, said. "The registered family day care home category will be phased out by June 30, 2011."

Starting Thursday, the registered family day care home category will no longer be an option for new applicants. Individuals may submit an application for either a licensed day care home or licensed group day care home. Information and application packets are available online at www.kdheks.gov/kidsnet or from the local child care surveyor. Individuals can contact their local health department for surveyor information.

Existing registrants may apply for a license at any time or wait and transition at the time of their renewal. Registrants must continue to comply with all requirements for registered day care homes until a temporary permit or license is issued. Registrants may contact their child care surveyor for more information about the licensing process.

Information about Lexie's Law, including a copy of the law and frequently asked questions, is available online at www.kdheks.gov/kidsnet. Questions may be directed to LexiesLawQuestions@kdheks.gov.