Use the child care search from Child Care Aware of Kansas to compare providers that may meet the criteria you have in mind. 

You can use this to narrow down best-fit providers based on your family’s needs — including location, hours, cost, type of program, and results of child care inspections. Then, you can review what providers have availability when you need it.

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Your budget will play a big part in the final decision. Your weekly or monthly child care cost will vary depending on the type of child care you choose, your specific provider and your child’s age. 

To figure out how much you can afford to spend on child care, use Child Care Aware’s budget calculator. 
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Need financial assistance?
You may be eligible for financial support through the Kansas Department for Children and Families Child Care Assistance program. Find out if you’re eligible for this financial assistance program today.

Determine My Eligibility

There may also be additional program-level financial assistance resources available. For instance, you qualify for a scholarship, a sibling discount, or reduced fees based on your income, family size or other factors. Ask your provider if their program offers any of these resources.

Doing your research is about asking the right questions. Here are a few questions to ask potential providers: 

• Are you licensed?
• What is your adult-to-child ratio? 
• How are children supervised? 
• What health and safety training do caregivers receive? 
• Have background checks been performed for all staff members? 
• What is the rate of staff turnover?
• Are there spaces for indoor and outdoor play? 
• What does an average day look like? Is there a balance of play, learning, and rest? 
• How do you handle discipline, nutrition, transportation safety, and emergency preparedness (like pediatric first aid and CPR)? 
• Have all staff members been trained in safe sleep practices? 

Find answers by visiting child care providers in person, speaking with them over the phone, or browsing their websites. You can also review their health and safety inspection reports. 

For more things to consider, check out our quality care checklist: English | Spanish

A child care contract is an agreement between the provider and the parent or guardian that outlines the terms of care. These contracts contain important information that you can use to compare your options, including: 

• Rates and fees
• Schedule, including vacation and holidays 
• Sick child policies, including which adults have permission to pick up your child 
• Disenrollment procedures 

This information may also be covered in a parent handbook or other statement of policies or procedures. You can ask the provider for this information as well. 

Even after your child is enrolled in child care, it is still a good idea to continue learning about your provider and stay involved with your child’s care.

Here are a few ways to stay involved:

• Volunteer: Ask your provider about coming in to read a story or joining the class for a field trip or other activity. 
• Ask for updates: If you can’t spend time in person, request regular updates from your provider about the program and your child’s progress. 
• Check in with your child: Be sure to check in with your child. Does he/she like their caregivers? Is he/she learning and having fun?

If you suspect a problem, file a complaint with KDHE. An on-site visit will be conducted to determine regulatory compliance.