Child Care Aware of Kansas Introduces Child Care Connect Works: A New Initiative Helping Businesses Solve Workforce Challenges Through Child Care Solutions and Tax Credits 

SALINA, Kan. — August 24, 2026 — In today’s competitive labor market, securing top talent requires innovative retention strategies. To help Kansas employers solve persistent workforce bottlenecks, Child Care Aware of Kansas is launching Child Care Connect Works—a comprehensive initiative equipping businesses with customized child care benefit solutions, strategic advisory services, and direct access to state and federal tax incentives. 

While conventional programs focus strictly on benefit administration, Child Care Connect Works combines technology with strategic consultation. Through the new Child Care Connect Works platform, Child Care Aware of Kansas helps employers evaluate their workforce needs, navigate complex state and federal tax credit opportunities, and build tailored benefit packages that drive recruitment and long-term retention. 

“Child care is no longer just a family issue—it is a critical economic driver for Kansas businesses,” said Kami Cohorst, Interim Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “With Child Care Connect Works, we are giving employers a clear blueprint and dedicated technical support to turn child care from an operational challenge into a powerful talent strategy. Whether an employer is looking to maximize available tax credits, offer financial assistance packages, or establish provider partnerships, we help them deploy solutions that strengthen their bottom line and support their employees.” 

Tailored Strategic Options for Every Business Model 

Child Care Connect Works provides flexible, scalable approaches designed to fit varying business structures and budgets: 

• Turnkey Digital Platform: Direct employee access to the Child Care Connect Works portal, combining self-service child care provider matching with personalized, concierge child care referral support. 

• Automated Benefit & Direct Payment Administration: Streamlined technology that manages employer stipends, fee assistance, and direct provider payments without burdening internal HR or accounting teams. 

• Tax Credit Optimization: Guidance on navigating state and federal employer child care tax credits to maximize return on investment. 

• Flexible Benefit Structures: Support establishing Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAPs), customized stipends, or fee-assistance frameworks. 

• Customized Provider Partnerships: Exploration of near-site care partnerships, reserved slot models, or workplace-supported child care solutions. 

“Supporting your employees with child care isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good business,” said Amanda Poyser, Director of Family Connections & Community Impact at Child Care Aware of Kansas. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to help businesses understand their full spectrum of options, determine what makes financial sense for their organization, and take decisive action.” 

A Statewide Business Engagement Initiative 

Beginning in August 2026, the Child Care Connect Works team started engaging employers directly across Kansas through business expos, regional chamber summits, and corporate workshops. 

The initiative aligns with broader statewide efforts alongside the newly launched Kansas Office of Early Childhood and network partners within the Kansas Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Network—including Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, Child Start, and Futures First. 

“Employer investment in reliable, affordable, quality child care strengthens Kansas’ workforce and fuels business growth by helping employers attract and retain employees. Child Care Aware of Kansas’ commitment to connecting businesses with child careprograms can help create stronger solutions for employers, families, and communities.” – Christi Smith, Director, Kansas Office of Early Childhood 

“Access to quality, affordable child care is not just a family issue; it is a workforce and economic competitiveness issue. Child Care Connect Works gives employers another practical way to invest in their workforce by helping employees address one of the most significant barriers to entering and staying in the labor market. When employers are part of the solution, the benefits extend beyond the workplace to working families, child care providers, and communities across Kansas.” – Keith Lawing, President & CEO, Workforce Alliance of South Central KS 

Connect with the Advisory Team 

Business leaders, human resource executives, economic development corporations, and chamber organizers interested in scheduling a consultation or requesting a presentation can contact the Child Care Aware of Kansas business advisory team at businesssupport@ks.childcareaware.org or visit ks.childcareaware.org. 

About Child Care Aware of Kansas 

Child Care Aware of Kansas is a statewide organization working to strengthen child care and early childhood systems across Kansas. Through its statewide network and partnerships, the organization connects families, child care providers, businesses and communities with information, resources and solutions that support access to quality child care. 

Media Contact: 

Desiree Donovan 

Senior Strategic Communications Manager 

Child Care Aware of Kansas 

info@ks.childcareaware.org