Children’s Cabinet Spotlight

Innovation Communities

Innovation Communities

Child Care Innovation Communities is a competitive add-on to the Child Care Capacity Accelerator Community Grant. Innovation Communities will work collaboratively with other communities across Kansas to pilot specific strategies to expand child care capacity that meet the unique needs of their families.

Accelerator Community Grant Information

Accelerator Community Grant Information

The Kansas Child Care Capacity Accelerator will support community-based teams—including early childhood providers and champions, employers, and economic development leaders—in their efforts to create affordable and accessible child care seats in their communities.

2023 Early Childhood Governance Summit

2023 Early Childhood Governance Summit

On February 17, groups from the Kansas Early Childhood Governance System presented highlights, including progress to date, goals for 2022, and discuss opportunities to work together to accomplish the goals of the All in for Kansas Kids Strategic Plan.

Developmental Health Family Engagement Sessions

Developmental Health Family Engagement Sessions

Are you a parent of a child age birth to 5 (Pre-K) in Kansas? We need your help to improve early childhood developmental health experiences! If you are interested in participating, please register. Participants who attend the full session will receive a $100 stipend for their time, commitment, and input.

Examining the Present and Future of Child Care in Kansas

Examining the Present and Future of Child Care in Kansas

In our role as strategist, the Children’s Cabinet commissioned Examining the Present and Future of Child Care in Kansas to encourage and facilitate innovative, collaborative planning. The report was developed by the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research and Capita.

Early Childhood and Literacy

Early Childhood and Literacy

This Issue Brief discusses the reasons for and actions behind promoting literacy beginning in early childhood, and it makes the case for increased investment in children during the early years so that all Kansas children are equipped for success in grade school and beyond.

Connecting and Engaging With Families in Kansas

Connecting and Engaging With Families in Kansas

The Early Childhood Policy Matters podcast features the Our Tomorrows story gathering project, how it was influenced by the Preschool Development Grant Birth – 5 initiative, and what it means for the future of Kansas.

2021 Kindergarten Readiness Quality Subgrantees

2021 Kindergarten Readiness Quality Subgrantees

2021 Kindergarten Readiness Quality Subgrants recipients close the gap for local communities seeking comprehensive and strategic support for Pre-K children. Improving the rates of kindergarten readiness requires coordinated and accessible services and opportunities that empower and engage community members.

Early Childhood Governance Summit

Early Childhood Governance Summit

On January 21, groups from the Kansas Early Childhood Governance System presented highlights including progress to date, goals for 2022, and discuss opportunities to work together to accomplish the goals of the All in for Kansas Kids Strategic Plan.

Progress for Kindergarten Readiness in Kansas

Progress for Kindergarten Readiness in Kansas

Beginning this school year, the Kansas State Department of Education has started funding three-year-old at-risk preschool students who are enrolled in approved programs through their school districts. Cabinet Member, Monica Murnan, describes this change as “a big, big...

Progress and Updates

Progress and Updates

What’s new for Kansas children and families? Find out on our new All In For Kansas Kids Progress and Bright Spots page! We’ll share major milestones, new initiatives, and more as part of our needs assessment and strategic plan work.

Year One Reflection

Year One Reflection

The pandemic significantly impacted Kansas children and families, the early childhood care and education workforce, and the broader early childhood system. Despite challenges, partners furthered strategic plan goals.

New screening process

New screening process

Child Start, Inc. recognized an opportunity to work with providers to learn how to understand and use Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) results with families as part of early intervention to determine the child’s needs and match them with available supports.

Thriving Families, Safer Children

Thriving Families, Safer Children

A national and state partnership for a system of child well-being Kansas has been selected for Thriving Families, Safer Children: A National Commitment to Well-Being – Round Two, which will support the state’s ongoing work to transform the child welfare system into...

Lemonade from COVID Lemons

Lemonade from COVID Lemons

In spring of 2020, a child care facility in southeast Topeka closed after nearly 30 years due to COVID-19.

This is the Way

This is the Way

It has been a trying year, but as Master Yoda would say, “Do or do not. There is no try”

A Pandemic-Formed Future

A Pandemic-Formed Future

Insights on how to help support children and families as we all navigate life in the wake of COVID-19

United Community Services honors Melissa Rooker

United Community Services honors Melissa Rooker

Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet & Trust Fund, has received the Distinguished Public Service Award for her efforts to build a stronger community and policies that make a positive impact on youth.