Unlicensed Wichita childcare provider fined

A $41,197.00 default judgment was entered against an unlicensed childcare provider for engaging in deceptive and unconscionable acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).

The matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a complaint against Monica Balfour, doing business as Tia’s Childcare. The Consumer Protection Division alleged Balfour violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) by acting as an unlicensed childcare provider and using Kansas Department of Health and Environment forms to present the appearance of being licensed.

The Court found these alleged violations to be deceptive under the KCPA. As part of the ruling, the Court ordered Monica Balfour to pay $40,000.00 in civil penalties, as well as court costs and investigation fees. The court also permanently restrained Monica Balfour from providing child care services in Kansas without obtaining a license and from operating as a day care facility until all costs and fees from this judgment are paid.

The District Attorney reminds consumers to exercise care when choosing a childcare provider. The City of Wichita Child Care Licensing Department requires all providers to be licensed. In addition, the State of Kansas requires every child care facility to post its license in a conspicuous place on the premises of the business.

Each license for a day care facility must have an expiration sticker on its face stating the date of expiration of the license.