Childcare center director, lead teacher, assistant teacher requirements; waivers for such requirements; administration by director of early childhood on and after July 1, 2026

(a) Each licensed child care center that provides care to any number or type of child shall hire a program director or lead teacher who: (1) Is at least 18 years of age; (2) has a high school diploma or equivalent; and (3) has one of at least four educational or experience-based criteria specific to such licensure as determined by the director, which shall include one non-academic experience-based option for qualifications under this paragraph. (b) Each licensed child care center may hire assistant teachers. Each assistant teacher shall be at least 16 years of age and have necessary skills and abilities as determined by the director. The director shall not require assistant teachers to meet educational requirements. (c) Waivers to this section may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the secretary in accordance with K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 65-541, and amendments thereto. (d) On and after July 1, 2026, this section shall be administered by the director of early childhood and waivers to this section may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the director based on a recommendation from the deputy director of child care licensure and finance in accordance with K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 65-541, and amendments thereto. (e) From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, this section shall be a part of and supplemental to article 5 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.