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.

This is the third revision of the Kansas Early Learning Standards and is aligned with the K-12 College and Career Ready Standards. These standards are to be used to support the learning and development of young children ages birth to kindergarten and will also support the work of teachers in kindergarten through third grade, clearly showing the continuum of learning from birth through grade three. The Kansas Early Learning Standards are not an assessment or a curriculum and are not to be used to keep children out of a program. These standards can help educators and home visitors address the needs of the children in their care.

Kansas Early Learning Standards (PDF)

Kansas Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services
Kansas Infant Toddler Services (Part C of IDEA)
USDE Policy Statement on Expulsion and Suspension Policies in Early Childhood Settings (external PDF)
Kansas Family Engagement and Partnership Standards for Early Childhood (external link)

Documents:
Kindergarten In Kansas (PDF)
Kansas Full-Day Kindergarten Guide (PDF)
Kansas Prekindergarten Guide (external PDF)
Early Childhood Programs At A Glance (PDF)
Birth to Five: Finding Programs that meet your needs (PDF)

Guidance for Educators
Where Can Early Childhood Educators Look For Employment? (PDF)
Early Childhood Programs/Settings Acceptable as "Accredited Experience" Related to Licensure Upgrade/Renewal (PDF)

Guidance for Administrators
Who Can I Hire as a Teacher/Early Interventionist (PDF)
Which Kansas License works in which Early Childhood Education Setting for Categorical Aid? (PDF)

For early learning providers and administrators during school year 2017-18. There will be opportunities for questions and the webinars will be recorded for future reference or for those unable to attend. Participants will be asked to log in at https://ksde-tasn.adobeconnect.com/_a1089458390/kansas-earlylearning/ to view and download materials and engage with presenters. There will be opportunities for questions and the web meeting will be recorded for future reference or for those unable to attend. Please find a schedule of dates and topics on the TASN website: https://ksdetasn.org/resources/1929

August 18, 2018 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)
September 21, 2018 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)
October 19, 2018 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)
November 16, 2018 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)
January 11, 2019 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)
February 15, 2019 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)
April 15, 2019 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)
May 3, 2019 (Adobe Connect) / materials (pdf)