Oklahoma best, Kansas worst in family child care homes

By Margarita Snegireva. Kansas was one of 15 states to receive a zero score for its standards and oversight of family child care homes in a study released Tuesday by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

Photo: Oklahoma best, Kansas worst in family child care homes

The state scored low primarily because it does not inspect all providers before allowing them to care for children.

Standards reviewed include frequency and type of monitoring visits, requiring background checks, provider education, provider training, parent-provider communication, quality of learning environment, availability of learning and literacy activities, group size limitations, and health and safety requirements.

Oklahoma received the highest marks for conducting unannounced visits, responding to a complaint with an unannounced visit, requiring a license for one or more nonfamily members in care, and requiring learning activities and toys.

Rankings are based on a 140-point system of standards, with each standard worth 10 points.

Oklahoma received 105 points; the average state score was 59.