Child Care GO-Team

Your Partner for Overcoming Child Care's Toughest Hurdles

The GO-Team is a dedicated, rapid-response team built to tackle the toughest child care challenges in Kansas. Think of us as the central connector that helps you get ahead of issues before they become a crisis, but we’re also here to step in and manage a disaster or emergency when it happens.

We provide a clear path forward whether a situation is just emerging or already in progress. We work with local and state partners, child care providers, communities, and families to help with everything from navigating local zoning issues and recovering from disasters to solving unique, behind-the-scenes problems that threaten child care stability. We bring together the right people and resources to get it done.

The GO-Team is your direct support for:

  • Child Care Providers facing hardships, unexpected crises, or operational hurdles.
  • Community Leaders looking to address child care-related challenges.
  • Families facing unexpected obstacles finding child care or resources.

By acting as the central connector in Kansas’s child care infrastructure, we ensure child care programs are resilient, families are supported, and communities are served.

Examples of our Work

Zoning Success

We helped a new child care provider navigate complex city ordinances, securing the necessary permits to open a licensed family child care and adding 12 new spots for families.

Disaster Recovery

After a tornado damaged a child care center, we immediately coordinated with state and local partners to find temporary placements for 45 displaced children and connected the center with recovery resources.

Crisis Intervention

We worked with a licensed family child care provider facing sudden closure due to illness, ensuring a smooth transition for her families and protecting her business license.

Complex Challenge Resolution

We’ve worked with providers, communities, and families to find solutions for unique or difficult child care situations, such as persistent staffing shortages, operational barriers, or community-wide capacity issues.

"As a licensed provider in Pittsburg, Kansas, I recently faced major difficulties in opening my daycare. Child Care Aware's GO-Team went above and beyond, traveling to represent me and advocating for my program. They educated local officials on the dire need for more child care facilities, armed with crucial research and statistics. Thanks to their incredible support and caring hearts, a safe and licensed child care was able to open. I am forever grateful for the Go-Team and their unwavering support."
Child Care Provider
Pittsburg, Kansas

How the GO-Team Gets to Work

Proactive Engagement

Proactive Engagement

We partner with communities and providers to spot "red flags" and solve problems before they become crises.

Reactive Facilitation

Reactive Facilitation

When a crisis or challenge occurs, we act quickly to facilitate solutions and connect you with the right support.

Overcoming Challenges

Overcoming Challenges

We address child care issues with zoning & ordinances. For licensing, contact your licensing specialist.

Family & Child Placement

Family & Child Placement

In the event of a closure, we coordinate with partners to find alternative placements for displaced children.

Facing a hurdle? We're ready to help. Let's get to work.
Partner Coordination

Partner Coordination

We bring together all key players—from local leaders to state agencies—to ensure a coordinated, seamless response.

Who We Work With

Our success is built on strong partnerships, and we’re always looking to grow our network. Here’s a quick look at some of the key partners we work with. Interested in joining us? Click here.

  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment Child Care Licensing (KDHE): A regulatory authority and advisor, providing guidance, facility data, and licensure solutions.
  • Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF): A strategic ally, driving support systems for Kansas families.
  • Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE): A collaborator, aligning education and child care initiatives.
  • Kansas State Fire Marshal: A safety authority and advisor, offering essential fire-safety guidance.
  • Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies: Our frontline allies, delivering local insight and connecting families to care.
  • Local Governments: Key stakeholders, helping navigate zoning, ordinances, and community priorities.
  • Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC): An economic development partner, elevating child care as essential infrastructure for workforce growth and community prosperity.
  • Child Care Programs & Families: The heart of our mission, shaping why we exist and what we do.
  • Child Care Provider Coalition of Kansas (CCPC): A collective champion, advocating statewide for providers.
  • Kansas Children’s Cabinet: A support organization focused on a coordinated systems-wide approach for that is committed to elevating family voice and choice in a responsive partnership with Kansas communities.

Our System for Success

Our work is guided by one simple principle: We meet you where you’re at. We understand that every situation is unique, whether you’re a provider facing a sudden closure, a community grappling with zoning issues, or a family just starting their search for care.

Our system is flexible and responsive, built to handle every situation with a tailored approach.

  • Crisis Triage & Intake: Our first step is to quickly assess your specific situation and needs, ensuring our response is as unique as your challenge.
  • Clear Communication: We provide a seamless information flow between all partners, from local leaders to state agencies, so that everyone is working together.
  • Strategic Resource Mobilization: We connect you with the resources you need to succeed, leveraging our network to provide everything from technical help to community support.
  • Zoning & Licensing Navigation: We address child care issues with zoning & ordinances. For licensing, contact your licensing specialist.
  • Follow-up & Resolution: Once a challenge is resolved, we conduct thorough follow-up to ensure the solution is stable and to inform our future work.

Need Help? We're Here for You!

Whether you have a question, need support, or are just unsure where to begin, the GO-Team is ready to assist. We offer a variety of ways to connect so you can choose what works best for you.

Get Quick Assistance
For immediate support, to report an issue, or for specific questions, please use our contact form. This ensures your message reaches the right person quickly.

General Questions
Prefer to send an email? You can reach us at: goteam@ks.childcareaware.org

Speak with a Team Member
For direct, personalized support, give us a call at: 855-750-3343