Quality Recognition for Kansas Child Care Providers
Links to Quality
Links to Quality (L2Q) is Kansas’s free Quality Recognition and Improvement System, available to all licensed child care providers.
The program recognizes a commitment to continuous improvement and provides coaching, resources, and support to help programs achieve their quality goals.
Not sure where to start? Talk to a real person.
What is Links to Quality?
Links to Quality is Kansas's Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS). It's a statewide program offered through Child Care Quality Improvement Support Services and funded by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
L2Q recognizes licensed Early Childhood Care and Education programs that are actively working to improve the overall quality of care they provide through better business practices, stronger program practices, and a commitment to continuous improvement. L2Q is available to all licensed child care providers in Kansas at no cost.
What is a Link?
A link serves as a quality standard. Links have several purposes:
- Goes above and beyond licensing requirements.
- Supports ongoing quality improvement.
- Recognizes child care educators' strengths and achievements.
What are Link Badges?
Licensed early child care providers can create a portfolio that contains various documents, photos, and written descriptions that demonstrate how they meet specific quality standards.
The first step is earning the Program Administration badge. Once completed, providers can choose the order in which they pursue additional badges in Family Partnerships, Health & Safety, and Learning & Development.
Why It Matters
Why Be Involved in Links to Quality?
Personalized Support
You'll work with a dedicated L2Q consultant who provides coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance tailored to your program.
Recognition
Programs that participate in L2Q earn recognition that signals to families that your program is focused on continuous quality improvement.
It's Free
There is no cost to participate. L2Q is funded by the State of Kansas and available to every licensed provider in the state.
It's Flexible
L2Q meets you where you are. Whether you're just starting out or have been providing care for years, there's a place for you in the program.
What to Expect with Links to Quality
L2Q is designed to be supportive, not prescriptive. Here's what the process generally looks like.
Complete your intake
Start by completing the L2Q intake process through CAPE. You'll share information about your program so your consultant can understand where you are and what support would be most helpful.
Connect with your consultant
You'll be paired with an L2Q consultant who will work with you one-on-one to review your program, identify areas for growth, and build a plan that fits your goals and capacity.
Work through the Links
Your consultant will provide ongoing coaching, resources, and technical assistance as you work through your improvement plan. The pace is yours.
Earn recognition
As your program meets L2Q indicators, you'll earn recognition that reflects your commitment to quality improvement.
Links to Quality Incentives
Participating in Links to Quality (L2Q), Kansas's free Quality Recognition and Improvement System, can connect you with financial incentives as your program works toward quality improvement milestones.
Incentives vary and are tied to program participation and progress. Your L2Q consultant can walk you through what's available and how to access them.
Links to Quality FAQs
Bookmark Cape for Easy Access
Create or log in to your Cape profile to start your Links to Quality journey. Be sure to bookmark the Cape login page so you can easily track your progress and access your account anytime.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Links to Quality is straightforward. Create or log in to your Cape profile, complete the L2Q intake, and you'll be connected with your consultant from there. If you have questions before you start, reach out to the L2Q team directly — we're happy to walk you through it.
Not sure where to start? Talk to a real person.
Investing in Kansas Children
Funded by the State of Kansas
Links to Quality is funded by the State of Kansas and supports early childhood professionals, programs, and families through resources that promote high-quality care and education for Kansas children.
