KSNT 27 · Ben Nash · September 4, 2026
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas lawmakers are trying to address the state's ongoing childcare shortage and are putting a spotlight on one state agency.
Lawmakers are pointing fingers at the Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC). The agency opened earlier in July, but people are already raising questions about accountability.
"The agency's visits, their publicly documented surveys and findings and their repeated denial of requests to reconsider or modify decisions or wording all can have a negative impact on privately owned childcare businesses," said Executive Director of Premiere Learning Angela Bertocchini.
State officials said there are more than 4,000 childcare facilities in the state. These facilities have to follow rules created by the KOEC.
Our Kansas Capitol Bureau talked to some providers, and they said the rules are outrageous.
"One of the first examples that I've dealt with over the years is being told that my own children, in particular my own 12-year-old daughter, was not allowed at my business, on our business property during business hours," Bertocchini said. "That's my own daughter. She's just taking out trash, it's a no school day. I'm working, she is safe in my care."
Care providers said these rules can create barriers forcing them to raise costs. Businesses have to pay for background checks, maintenance and safety compliance. We spoke to Representative Kristey Williams (R) who said some of the rules make it difficult to operate.
"In that situation, it is obvious to me that it is better for that child to be with their parent or grandparent than it would be for them to be home alone," Williams said. "It just boggles my mind that we are so rigid that we can't understand just basic common sense."
Lawmakers said they will be watching the KOEC closely moving forward.
"I am serious about this subject, and when people use the government as a weapon against businesses," said Representative David Behler (R). "I am dead serious about this. I appreciate it."
We spoke with the Director of the KOEC Christi Smith, and she emphasized the office is dedicated to improving childcare.
"I do have a lot of people I've committed to seriously like Angela that I have worked with for years," Smith said. "Truly, that is exactly why you created this office, so we'll do it."
Lawmakers and agency officials agreed that childcare needs to be improved here in Kansas. Our Kansas Capitol Bureau will continue to report on this story as it continues.
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