Provider Support Services

Strengthen Your Business While Focusing on What is Most Important — the Children

As of July 1, 2025, Child Care Aware of Kansas is no longer administering the Shared Services Network, but the partners continue to offer services. The goal remains to support early care and education programs through the state to enhance the well-bring, health, and development of young children.

Statewide Opportunities

Child Care Management Software: Zero Cost to You

A child care management software (CCMS), can help providers communicate with families and staff; set up reminders; handle scheduling and calendars; manage billing, reporting, and enrollment; and much more. The software also helps providers determine where additional support is needed, such as janitorial, maintenance, or administrative services.

We have partnered with the companies below to offer this software to KDHE licensed providers at no cost. 

Learn more about these partners from the links below, or contact your Regional Community Consultant.

Our Child Care Management Software Partners

Elevate your early education platform with the #1 child care management platform on the market! Quick to set up, and even easier to use: Brightwheel is built to save you and your staff time. 

Your dream, all-in-one child care management system,
powerful, not overwhelming. Playground has every feature you need to effortlessly run an early child care program — from child management to HR.

Direct Support

Need assistance? Click on your county below to connect with someone that can provide you with information.

Resources

Farm to Plate is a program that connects child care providers with local farmers or encourages garden building to bring fresh, nutritious food directly to their facilities. By participating, providers can enhance children’s meals with farm-fresh ingredients while supporting the local agricultural community.

Farm to Plate FAQ

Thrive Allen County will be providing insurance navigation support for any child care professional interested in learning about insurance coverage through the Marketplace, as well as some financial support for health care coverage.

Both initiatives are funded through KS’ new Preschool Development Grant award, which is administered by the Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

 

Applications may be submitted started January 1, 2025, and will be reviewed on a first come first served basis. Please contact Jessica Thompson at jessica@thriveallencounty.org with any questions about this program. 

Applications should be sent to J Keltner at j@thriveallencounty.org or via fax or mail (details on application package). 

Kansas Group/Family Child Care Program Budget Template
Use this workbook to estimate your potential budget when operating a child care business. Please note: this tool was created in 2022, so you may need to adjust figures to reflect current cost-of-living changes.
 
Kansas Department for Children and Families Logo

Funding provided by the Kansas Department for Children and Families