Child care deregulation raises safety concerns

AI-assisted summary

A new Kansas law deregulating at-home day care has been criticized by the state's Child Death Review Board for raising "serious safety concerns."

The law allows unlicensed home providers to care for more children for longer hours than was previously permitted.

The board's annual report noted that most child deaths in care settings occurred at unlicensed providers, often due to unsafe sleep environments.

A key lawmaker defended the law, stating it empowers parents and provides more flexible, affordable child care options.

The Kansas Legislature and governor's compromise law that deregulated child care licensing for at-home day care raises "serious safety concerns," according to the Kansas State Child Death Review Board.

At issue is House Bill 2045 , a compromise