Early childhood experiences lay the foundation for a child’s future academic success. A child’s health and physical well-being, along with the development of cognitive, communication and social-emotional skills, all can be influenced by the community, educational environment, family and the individual child. Effective policies, targeted and appropriate levels of funding, and collaborative systems of support enhance a child’s ability to thrive in learning environments.

The Early Childhood Team at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) supports local agencies providing early learning opportunities and collaborates with internal and external partners to strengthen early childhood in Kansas. Early childhood spans birth to age 8 (third grade). Our goal is that each student enters kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally and academically prepared for success.

In 2019, Kansas has the opportunity and new federal grant funding to engage in a collaborative effort to shape our state’s future direction for early childhood. A one-year planning grant authorized by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is supporting the development of a comprehensive needs assessment and strategic plan for early childhood in Kansas. The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas State Department of Education and other early childhood partners are carrying out this important work. Visit kschildrenscabinet.org/early-childhood to learn more and get involved.

This evidence-based affiliate model provides parents with the skills and knowledge they need to help make informed decisions regarding their child’s education. KSDE serves as the State Office to support local programs in implementing the KPAT model. The Kansas Parents as Teachers page has more information https://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=534.

High-quality early learning opportunities prepare students to enter kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally and academically prepared for success. KSDE administers several programs that provide funding to support preschool for Kansas students: the Preschool-Aged At-Risk (State Pre-K 4 Year Old At-Risk) program, the Kansas Preschool Pilot, and Early Childhood Special Education (Section 619 of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act). While these programs each have unique requirements, KSDE encourages local districts to offer services that support the needs of each student in inclusive environments. KSDE also hosts the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC), which is responsible for advising and assisting the Kansas governor and legislature on matters that impact Kansas families with children ages birth to 5 who have, or are at risk for, developmental delays. For more information about Preschool Programs https://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=555.

To advance kindergarten readiness in Kansas, all Kansas kindergarten classrooms are utilizing a new tool to better understand students’ development. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) and the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, Second Edition (ASQ: SE-2) provide a snapshot of children’s developmental milestones. The Kindergarten Readiness page has more information.

The KSDE Early Childhood Team regularly shares information on the Early Learning listserv, including reminders and updates for webinars. You can join the listserv by emailing Beccy Strohm: bstrohm@ksde.org.