From the team behind Kansas Child Magazine
You know and love the magazine—now stay informed between issues with fresh articles on the Kansas Child Blog, brought to you by Child Care Aware of Kansas.
With articles by leaders and experts in the field — as well as our experienced staff — the blog offers the latest research, innovative ideas, and proven solutions related to early care and education in Kansas.
Plus, we’ve got practical tips for parents and providers about how to offer young children the best possible start in life.
“Because of Child Care Aware of Kansas, I feel supported, valued, and empowered every day. They remind me that the work I do truly matters.”
Finding My Purpose in Early Childhood I have always been passionate about children and felt a special connection with them. In 2019, I completed my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through the national credentialing program. It was through that process that I truly began to understand just how critical the
Child Care Aware of Kansas Honors 66 Communities as Child Care Community Champions Salina, Kansas – February 12, 2026 Child Care Aware of Kansas is proud to recognize 66 Kansas communities as Child Care Community Champions, honoring their dedication to strengthening local child care systems. This recognition is part of
The Russell County Community Child Care Coalition (RCCC) is on a mission to uplift and encourage the child care providers who serve families across the county. This year, their efforts have focused on showing appreciation, offering practical support, and creating moments of joy for those working every day to care
Every child’s success begins with someone who believed in them, invested in them, and cared enough to make a difference. At Child Care Aware of Kansas, we know that behind every thriving child is a provider, a parent, or a community that stood up to say: you matter, and your
Care Aware of Kansas (CCAKS) is officially joining Cape, a career and professional empowerment portal tailored for Kansas’ early childhood workforce.
Baby Steps is an innovative pilot that seeks not only to offset the revenue lost by caring for infants and toddlers, but also to bring family child care providers’ incomes closer to what might be considered a “livable” wage.
Barton County is working overtime to build community support for its child care, and hopes to rewrite their narrative.
Families in this county must work to survive and must have child care to do so, yet child care is often problematically undervalued as a field. This leads to a lack of support for child care providers and families, ultimately resulting in a lack of available and affordable child care
In Crawford County, Kansas, providers, families, and coalitions are working together to make the child care system work for all members of its community. With more than 35,000 inhabitants and seated in Southeastern Kansas, this is a county that has a high need for affordable, readily available, and quality child
Ford County, Kansas, represents both booming business and dire need for diverse, affordable, and available child care options.
A recent influx of young families returning to this small, rural community has strained the local child care system. With many bringing infants who require more care, the county faces a critical shortage of child care slots to meet growing demand.
In Labette County, residents like coalition leader Kandy, parents Travis and Katrina, and veteran child care provider Kim highlight a critical issue: a severe shortage of child care options. They agree that urgent action is needed to close the gap between families in need and the limited number of providers.
In Neosho County, nestled in Southeastern Kansas, lies the city of Chanute. With just over 8,500 inhabitants, Chanute is home to many people seeking available and affordable child care. However, with a poverty rate of 18.8% (a rate 25% higher than the rest of Neosho County, and 1.5 times higher
As Seward County contends with the child care needs of its citizens, there is much hope that presents itself at every turn. Its coalition leaders, families, and providers each see that there is more to be done, and they have the grit and gumption that it will take to continue
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