Policy & Advocacy

We Advocate for Child Care in Kansas

Child care is vital to Kansas's economic and social well-being, and raising awareness and advocating for systemic change is core to our work. CCAKS engages policymakers, partners and stakeholders, and mobilizes public support to advance child care as a critical priority across the state.

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What We're Working On

Our Focus Areas

Our advocacy work is grounded in our 2025–2030 strategic plan and aligned with the priorities of Child Care Aware of America and Kansas Action for Children. We focus on five core areas:

Access for All

All children and families deserve access to quality child care, regardless of their background or circumstances. Prioritizing equity and inclusion strengthen communities and ensures all Kansas children have the opportunity to thrive.

Sustainable Funding and Resources

A resilient child care system requires sustainable funding and resources to meet the growing demand for high-quality care and support child care providers.

Organizational Excellence

Empowered, well-supported employees and providers are the backbone of a thriving child care system. A strong internal culture and infrastructure enable CCAKS to deliver on its mission.

Advocacy and Public Awareness

Child care is vital to Kansas's economic and social well-being. Raising awareness and advocating for systemic change ensures long-term support and investment.

Strong and Connected System

Building a sustainable, high-quality child care system benefits families, providers, and communities across Kansas.

Our Approach

How We Do This Work

Advocacy takes many forms. Here's how CCAKS shows up.

We Share Data

We publish and distribute county-level child care data, annual reports, and research that give policymakers and community leaders the information they need to make informed decisions.
We Engage Policymakers

Our team meets with state and local legislators, testifies at hearings, and participates in workgroups and task forces to share data, represent the field, and elevate the voices of families and providers.
We Build Coalitions

We partner with child care providers, parent organizations, employers, community leaders, and advocacy groups focused on education, health care, and family support to create a unified voice for child care in Kansas.
We Mobilize Communities

We support families and providers in sharing their stories, provide advocacy tools and resources, and connect communities to opportunities to engage with the legislative process.
We Stay Informed

We track legislative developments and regulatory changes at the local, state, and federal levels, and provide updates to our network.

Aligned With

Our Advocacy Partners

Our advocacy work is grounded in collaboration. We align our efforts with the following organizations to ensure our advocacy is informed, coordinated, and effective.

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Child care policy in Kansas is always moving. Subscribe to our updates to get the latest legislative news, advocacy opportunities, and calls to action delivered to your inbox.