KS HB2294

Establishes the Kansas Office of Early Childhood as a new executive branch agency, consolidating administration of day care licensing, child care subsidies, parent education programs, and 19 other early childhood programs from various state agencies effective July 1, 2026

Eliminates annual license fees for day care facilities (previously $75 plus $1 per child) while maintaining $150 fees for child care resource and referral agencies, maternity centers, and child placement agencies

Reduces staff qualification requirements for child care centers, allowing program directors and lead teachers to qualify with six months of experience providing direct care to children as an alternative to formal education credentials

Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Environment (and later the Executive Director of Early Childhood) to develop pilot programs that can waive statutory and regulatory requirements for up to five years to increase child care availability and capacity

Exempts licensed youth development programs and school-age programs operating within public or private schools from additional fire safety inspections if the school already passes annual fire safety inspections under K.S.A. 31-144(b)