Wages in the Child Care Workforce Remain Low Despite Gains
June 6, 2024 | By Benjamin Jacobson![](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/iStock-1447406588.jpg)
Early care and education professionals have historically faced substantial obstacles when it comes to maintaining a healthy and motivated
read moreCultivating Mindfulness in Early Childhood Programs and Family Environments
March 14, 2024 | By LeAnn Woods![](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/iStock-1206275034.jpg)
Implementing mindfulness in early childhood programs and family environments can have profound effects on children’s emotional wellbeing, cognitive development, and overall resilience.
read more5 Winter Recipe Ideas for Kids
December 1, 2023 | By Jessica Gable![5 Winter Recipe Ideas for Kids](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/iStock-1340043045.jpg)
With all the great reasons to incorporate seasonal foods into your program's menu, it's easy to see that seasonal recipes are good for your children's mind and appetite!
read moreFood Allergies in Childcare – Holiday Party Alternatives
November 8, 2023 | By Jessica Gable![](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-1454357134.jpg)
There’s a lot of great things to celebrate during this time of year! When planning your holiday parties, do you think about the kids with food allergies in your
read moreHow Child Care Software Can Elevate Your Child’s Early Education
November 6, 2023 | By Sarah Go![](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-1356126124.jpg)
Child care administrators and teachers have to juggle a lot on a daily basis. Not only are they teaching young minds, but they’re also managing family communications, billing and enrollment, and everything in between. It can be challenging for families to find a program that does it all
read moreBuckling Up for Two: Seat Belts and Pregnancy
July 31, 2023 | By Cherie Sage![Buckling Up for Two What to know about seat belts when you’re expecting](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-1434701683.jpg)
Buckling up throughout your pregnancy is the single most effective step you can take to protect yourself and your unborn child during a
read moreGet Creative Outside: Ideas for Summer Fun with Kids
July 31, 2023 | By Rachel Jury![Get Creative Outside: Ideas for Summer Fun with Kids](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-1185021288.jpg)
Put on some sunscreen, make sure everyone has enough water, and enjoy these activities for summer fun with
read moreTips for Cooking with Children + 3 Kid-Friendly Recipes
July 27, 2023 | By Child Care Aware of Kansas![Tips for Cooking with Children + 3 Kid-Friendly Recipes](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-1299561244.jpg)
Cooking with children can be both fun and exhausting! Despite the time and patience required, making snacks or meals with your kids pays off for everyone
read moreSuperhero Skills for Summer
July 24, 2023 | By Vladimir Sainte![Superhero Skills for Summer](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-1097784072.jpg)
Summer is a season for practicing and developing resilience and problem-solving skills in a low-stress and supportive environment.
read moreBeat Summer Boredom with Physical Activity
July 10, 2023 | By Natalie Updyke![Beat Summer Boredom](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-924468750.jpg)
Making physical activity fun ensures that your kids will enjoy the benefits of being active throughout their
read moreWhy Parents Love Child Care Management Systems
June 20, 2023 | By Kali Steelsmith![child care management software](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1398307913.jpg)
We are so grateful that our program uses a child care management system, and we recommend it to all early care and education professionals. It makes the transition between home and child care much
read moreHow to Find Quality Care for Your Child
February 17, 2023 | By Child Care Aware of Kansas![How to Find Quality Child Care. Group of kids playing with child care provider](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1408303754.jpg)
By asking meaningful questions and paying attention to details during interviews with child care providers, you can decide if the program is a good fit for your
read moreBlack History is American History
February 16, 2023 | By Bridget Banks![Black History](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1458558091.jpg)
Black History Month provides an opportunity, if done right, for children to learn about the pivotal role that Black people have played in U.S.
read moreHow Families Can Help Solve the Child Care Crisis
February 10, 2023 | By Tasha Eichman![Solve the Child Care Crisis](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1446090450.jpg)
As the years pass, affordable, quality child care only seems to grow more rare. How did we get here? What can we do as parents to help alleviate the child care
read moreTax Benefits for Families and Child Care Providers
January 18, 2023 | By Child Care Aware of Kansas![Tax Benefits Child Care. background, no people](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/iStock-1367240484.jpg)
Find a listing of key tax breaks and credits that families and/or child care providers may be able to take advantage
read moreNational Healthy Weight Week
January 3, 2023 | By Mary Daniels![National Healthy Weight Week](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/iStock-492219680.jpg)
Maintaining a healthy weight has positive effects on all of our body systems and sets an excellent example for those around
read moreHow 2Gen Approaches Support Family Well-Being
December 5, 2022 | By Anne Mosle![Where 2Gen Approaches Meet Families](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2GenImage.png)
We are witnessing a sea change in early childhood, with providers and systems leaders embracing more holistic approaches to improving the health, learning, and well-being of our youngest children and their
read moreMore People Now Qualify for Child Care Assistance
November 15, 2022 | By Nichelle Adams![Funding Impacts Child Care. Child Care Assistance](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/iStock-1024637818.jpg)
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) recently increased the initial eligibility income to 250% of the federal poverty level, which is much higher than many people realize.
read moreEn Tu Esquina: 1-800-Children
November 14, 2022 | By Stephanie Boone![](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/iStock-1203194621.jpg)
La próxima ves cuando te encuentres tu mismo deseando que alguien este en tu esquina, recuerda que 1-800-CHILDREN existe por esa razón.
read moreA Better Child Care System for Kansas Parents
November 8, 2022 | By Jessica Herrera Russell![A Better Child Care System for Kansas Parents. A working mother carrying child.](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/iStock-1398130317.jpg)
We must continue educating lawmakers about the real challenges that parents in this state are facing. When we help families overcome those challenges, more kids will be fed and cared for in loving, nurturing environments.
read moreIn Your Corner: 1-800-Children
November 3, 2022 | By Stephanie Boone![Early Childhood Interventions](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/iStock-1055006798.jpg)
The next time you find yourself wishing there was someone in your corner, remember that 1-800-CHILDREN exists for that very reason. Go ahead, give us a
read moreKansas Children’s Service League: Programs for Parents and Families
November 3, 2022 | By Pam Noble![Family playing at the park](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/iStock-1395562691.jpg)
These services are designed to help children and parents develop the skills necessary to be successful in their homes, schools, and
read moreStronger Families = Stronger Children
October 27, 2022 | By Jennifer Adhima![Stronger Families = Stronger Children](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/iStock-1375777342.jpg)
Since Head Start’s inception in 1965, the program has taken a holistic approach to working with the nation’s youngest children and their families.
read moreNurturing Your Child’s Brain
September 20, 2022 | By Kandi Novak![Nurturing Your Child’s Brain](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/iStock-527678492.jpg)
Daily routines with your child can be valuable opportunities for them to learn a new skill or healthy habit.
read moreRising Momentum to Improve Quality Child Care in Kansas
August 31, 2022 | By Nancy Rohr![Quality Child Care in Kansas](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/iStock-1272542131.jpg)
There’s been new interest in and financial support for maintaining and increasing the number of child care programs in our state. But we can’t just increase child care slots. The ultimate goal is for all programs to provide high-quality care to
read moreSummer Bike Safety
August 31, 2022 | By Cherie Sage![Bike Safety](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/iStock-1308114739.jpg)
What could be better than riding a bicycle on a beautiful, sunny day? Besides being a whole lot of fun, biking is great exercise and reduces stress. Plus, you can do it together as a
read moreChild Hunger in Kansas
August 22, 2022 | By Martha Terhaar![Child Hunger in Kansas](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/iStock-1257120432.jpg)
Providers serve millions of meals to Kansas kids each year through programs like the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), universal school lunch and breakfast, and summer
read moreHow a Community Council on Child Care Can Help Families Succeed
August 8, 2022 | By Child Care Aware of Kansas![Child Care Provider Encouraging a Child to Board School Bus](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/iStock-165053369.jpg)
How a Community Council on Child Care Can Help Families Succeed As parents and providers know well, each school year presents new challenges for child care programs. Providers are often forced to make difficult decisions about how to operate their business, care for the children
read moreHow to Help Kids Transition Back to School
July 29, 2022 | By Lisa Johnson![Help Kids Transition Back](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/iStock-666817952.jpg)
Here are some easy ways you can help your children, their teachers, and their child care providers make the transition from summer to
read moreEngaging Families to Improve Early Childhood Systems
July 28, 2022 | By Heather Smith![Engaging Families](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/iStock-1332931498.jpg)
After a decade of focusing primarily on children with special health care needs, the FAC has expanded to address the needs of four more populations: women/moms, early childhood, children, and
read moreHealthy Habit Influencers
July 22, 2022 | By Georgia S. Thompson![](https://ks.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/iStock-1202686504.jpg)
Strengthening ECE systems for health takes time, but we have identified a few key strategies to help state and local leaders get
read more