2025 Early Childhood Advocacy Day
Kenna McNally | February 10, 2025
Around 100 advocates, providers, and early childhood professionals braved the freezing rain on February 6 for Kansas Action for Children’s 2025 Early Childhood Advocacy Day.
Participants met with at least 56 lawmakers from across the state to share their experiences with early learning and child care. We know that these first-hand stories have helped lawmakers develop a better understanding of what Kansans need to best prepare our youngest for life-long success.
Three information sessions were available for attendees to learn more about problems many providers face every day and child care system governance.
The first session, “Findings from the Child Care Workforce Study,” was presented by Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities, overviewing the results of their statewide study with more than 5,600 respondents from all 105 Kansas counties. Key findings of the study included majority agreeance that regulations for child care centers are reasonable, provider struggles as a result of low pay and lack of benefits, and the need for more community support and collaboration.
The second session, “Kansas Child Care Subsidies: Perceptions from Providers,” was presented by David Jordan, President of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, summarizing the results of its statewide survey of more than 300 child care providers. Of those surveyed, 60% reported they were currently approved to accept subsidy-funded children, with nearly 52% serving at least one subsidy-funded child. The presentation also addressed biases about and reported reasons for provider reluctance to participate in the subsidy program. Several recommendations were provided for the betterment of the program on the part of the state and providers.
The final session featured a panel of representatives of state agencies: the Department of Education, the Department for Children and Families, the Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. The ability to hear from and ask questions of these individuals helped attendees gain a deeper understanding of the child care system.
The day closed out with a video message from Congresswoman Sharice Davids and an in-person address by Governor Laura Kelly. Representative Davids and Governor Kelly both voiced their dedication to early learning and child care and shared their support for early childhood policy at the federal and state levels.
Despite the weather, the third annual Early Childhood Advocacy Day was a success, with attendees feeling more confident in their advocacy efforts, creating connections with each other, and showing Kansas lawmakers how imperative early childhood programs are for the health of the state. We look forward to continuing our work this session alongside local advocates, professionals, child care providers, and lawmakers to make Kansas the best state to raise and be a child.
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