Leaders from across the state’s early childhood system will be in Wichita collecting feedback as part of a series of Community Engagement Sessions being held across 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 early childhood partners are seeking information from Kansans to develop a statewide strategic plan for early childhood. These sessions are open to the public. Parents (of children of all ages), community leaders, health providers, early childhood stakeholders, members of the business community, elected officials, and other interested parties are all invited and encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences.
The goal of these meetings is to help increase the state’s understanding of what programs exist, what is working well, where we have challenges, and how we can work together to make sure each Kansas child has the best start possible. “Governor Kelly has articulated her vision for universal access to high-quality early learning opportunities for all Kansas children,” said Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. “By inviting communities to come together to share information about their strengths, challenges, dreams and opportunities, we will be able to develop a strategic plan that is inclusive, thoughtful, and based on Kansas’ priorities,” she added.
The forums will be held from 2:30-3:30 and 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Sundermann Room, 5015 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS.
