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On Monday, Dec. 11, the Kansas Early Childhood Transition Task Force adopted its final report and presented it to Gov. Laura Kelly. This report outlines recommendations for how Kansas can streamline and strengthen administration of early childhood programs.
Executive Order 23-01 established the Task Force and charged it with developing a framework for consolidating administration of early childhood initiatives and funding.
The purpose of the Task Force was to examine Kansas’ early childhood system and identify steps the state can take to reduce burdens placed on families, increase accountability for early childhood programs, and eliminate inefficiencies and gaps in service.
The Task Force previously reviewed the current landscape of Kansas early childhood programming and collected information about how other states have reorganized early childhood program administration in recent years. In June, the Task Force conducted a community engagement tour to gather feedback from Kansans.
Over the past several months, three workgroups developed recommendations addressing which early childhood programs should be included in an effort to consolidate programming; the logistics of how a transition should occur; data and metrics to track progress; and other potential actions that could strengthen the Kansas early childhood system.
The final report includes recommendations in three areas:
The report also includes suggestions that, while not formal recommendations, were raised over the course of the Task Force’s work as possible opportunities to move the state early childhood system forward. These future considerations on page 57 include reviewing the current funding structure for the state’s preschool programs and exploring ways to increase collaboration with non-USD-based preschools.
Visit the Early Childhood Transition Task Force webpage for the work completed by the Task Force in 2023. These recommendations will inform discussion and decision-making during the 2024 legislative session.
Visit the Kansas Legislature YouTube page for a recording of the Dec. 11 meeting, including remarks from Gov. Kelly.
Email KSDE Director of Early Childhood Amanda Petersen (apetersen@ksde.org) with any questions about the Task Force’s work, recommendations or next steps.
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Denise Kahler (785) 296-4876 dkahler@ksde.org
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