Kansas Early Childhood Transition Task Force Tour: Preliminary Results from Community Engagement Tour

Abstract

Kansas Executive Order 23-01 established the Early Childhood Transition Task Force (ECTTF) and tasked the group with holding a series of meetings across the state to generate public feedback and responses to Kansas’ current early childhood system. To better understand the current situation of early childhood efforts in the State of Kansas, the Kansas ECTTF conducted a statewide tour with virtual and in-person opportunities for participants to reflect on Kansas’ early childhood system.

The participants’ responses were prompted by questions in three different categories: Needs and Barriers, Bright Spots, and State’s Efficiency in Early Child Care and Education. Participants were also asked to rate how hopeful they are that Kansas is going in the right direction in early childhood. The average hope score was high, which conveys trust and confidence from those in attendance.

Based on these findings, the Task Force developed recommendations to improve Kansas’ current early childhood system and the state’s role in it.