Q: What ground cover is approved to use under my anchored equipment?
A:  Well-maintained grass, "play" sand, pea gravel, some mulches, etc.  Call for more detailed information and information for approval of the product.  Make sure that you are using an approved product  before you install it! 

Q: What do I do if a parent asks me to sleep their baby on their stomach?
A: Babies should sleep on their backs unless you have a note from their doctor.  Remember, it is routinely back to sleep and front to play with the babies. Providers are encouraged to have a sleep position policy. Call for sample policy and/or questions.

Q: A new Fire Life Safety Agreement was not included in my renewal paperwork for my home day care. Do I need to send one in?
A: You are required to call your local fire department to let them know you will continue providing childcare in your home. The fire marshal will tell you if another inspection is required. If not, the current fire life safety agreement and date of the last inspection is sufficient. No copy of the FLSA needs to be sent to KDHE with your renewal papers.

Q: Is my new inflatable pool that is filtered and remains up all summer still considered to be a wading pool?
A: No—since the pool is not emptied daily, it requires the use of chlorine and has a filtration system, the swimming pool regulations must be followed.

Q: When is my county renewal fee due?
A: The county fee is due upon receipt of the letter sent by the county, or in a center, when the surveyor leaves you an invoice. It is considered late if not received by the month of your renewal date.

Q: In my day care center do all my substitute staff members need first aid training?
A: Yes, substitutes are required to have first aid training.

Q: How do I know when to start counting in-service hours in my day care center?
A: Ten hours of in-service training are required each licensing year, not calendar year. Extra in-service hours cannot be carried over to the next licensing year.

Q: Who do I call or contact if I have questions or concerns or want to make a complaint about my daycare or daycare provider?
A: Please call the Adult and Child Care Division at (913) 477-8339 or (913) 477-8078. All regulatory questions will be answered and investigated if indicated.

Q: Who do I contact to help me find a childcare provider?
A: Please contact the resource and referral agency for Johnson County, Daycare Connection, at (913) 529-1200. The health department staff is not allowed to make provider recommendations by Kansas law. Contact the Adult/Child Care Division for more information - Carrie Mahoney at (913) 477-8341 or Dottie Davis at (913) 477-8068.

Q: Do I have to call my provider if they tell me to before I pick up my child?
A: No, you are allowed access to the day care doing all hours of operation.  If you are told to call before pick up or that you can not look in rooms that are used for day care, you need to report this to the Johnson County Health Dept., Child Care Division.  Call (913) 477-8339 or (913) 477-8078 to make a report.

Q: If my child has a toileting accident, doesn't the provider have to wash out my babies clothing?
A: No. The provider is not allowed to wash out any soiled diapers, training pants or clothing.  The provider is required to place everything soiled into a plastic bag or covered container and send it home with the parent.  They must do the same thing for their own children's soiled items until the end of the day care day.  This is important to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.

Q: How can I tell if a Provider is licensed or registered?
A: Ask to see their license or certificate of registration. Licenses do not expire; certificates of registration will have an expiration date. You may also call the health department for this info rmation.

Q: How can I find out if there have been complaints or problems with a day care?
A: Contact KDHE in writing (fax, letter, or e-mail).Give the name and address of the facility and request complaint and Notice of Survey information. One to two years worth of history should be sufficient. Be sure to include your name address and phone number KDHE will let you know the cost, ($7.00 per hour + $0.25 per page) for that information. After receiving that fee, they will send the information to you.

If you have questions, complaints, or if you are concerned about your adult or child care provider, please don't hesitate to give us a call. For more information about the Adult and Child Care program, please contact:

Teri LaMetterey
Adult & Child Care Facilities Program Aide
(913) 477-8382

Stacey Stroh
Adult & Child Care Facilities Program Aide
(913) 477-8339

Dottie Davis
Adult & Child Care Facilities Program Aide
(913) 477-8068

Eldonna Chesnut
Adult and Child Care Facilities Division Director
(913) 477-8366