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Kansas is taking a major step to improve childcare access and early education support for working families. Nearly 180,000 children under age five across the state are expected to benefit from a newly consolidated system designed to make services easier to find and use.
Governor Laura Kelly confirmed that the Kansas Office of Early Childhood submitted its first official progress report to state lawmakers on Friday, January 23, marking an important milestone in the rollout of the new office.
A Single Office for More Than 20 Childcare Programs
According to the report, Kansas plans to merge more than 20 separate early childhood programs—previously managed by multiple state agencies—into one central office by July 1.
This consolidation is meant to reduce confusion for families and providers who currently must navigate different departments for childcare assistance, early learning programs, and family support services.
Governor Kelly emphasized that this streamlined approach will make services more accessible and efficient for parents across the state.
What the Change Means for Kansas Families?
Under the new system, parents will have one main point of contact for early childhood services instead of dealing with several agencies.
This shift comes at a time when demand is especially high. State officials note that about 67% of young children in Kansas live in households where all available parents are working, increasing the need for reliable and affordable childcare options.
Kelly stated that the goal is to build a system that is transparent, efficient, and easy to navigate for families, childcare providers, and employers alike.
New Leadership for the Office of Early Childhood
As part of the rollout, Governor Kelly appointed Christi Smith as the first director of the Kansas Office of Early Childhood.
Smith explained that the inaugural report outlines the office’s first-year priorities and sets expectations for ongoing transparency.
She added that regular data reporting will help the state improve outcomes for children, strengthen services, and better support both families and childcare providers.
Timeline and Next Steps
The Kansas Office of Early Childhood is scheduled to officially launch on July 1, 2026. Until then, staff will focus on several key areas:
- Strategic planning to use resources more effectively
- Internal staffing and organization
- Building clear communication systems for families and providers
- Strengthening collaboration across early childhood programs
State law requires an annual progress report under House Bill 2045, the legislation that created the office.
Key Goals of the New Office
The consolidation effort is designed to achieve several long-term objectives:
- Simpler access to childcare and early education programs
- Reduced administrative burden for childcare providers
- Stronger accountability for public funding
- A fully coordinated early childhood system instead of disconnected programs
The progress report also includes recommendations for measuring performance and tracking progress toward statewide early childhood goals.
About the Kansas Office of Early Childhood
The Kansas Legislature established the office through House Bill 2045 to serve as a central hub for early childhood services. Once fully implemented, it will oversee programs supporting children from birth through age five, bringing them under one unified structure.
Kansas’s decision to consolidate early childhood programs marks a significant shift toward a more organized and family-friendly system.
By creating a single office to oversee childcare and early education services, the state aims to reduce confusion, improve efficiency, and better support working families.
With strong leadership, clear goals, and a defined timeline, the Kansas Office of Early Childhood has the potential to transform how families and providers access critical services across the state.