[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6098239,"mediaKeyId","2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977","parentId",2824354,"title","State PDG program offers childcare zones, regional conferences, workforce supports and mental-health coaching","audioSeconds",614,"startMs",776000,"endMs",1390000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977&start=776&end=1390","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977/thumbnail_776000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6098239/Kansas/State-PDG-program-offers-childcare-zones-regional-conferences-workforce-supports-and-mental-health-coaching","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098239-6c6ba7a66f6e685a135e16aad3b824db/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934770&Signature=AKUe-YTQz7sdtVTlji7LoklHVGzUAHlDMQ8DGy1JD1UDQXQKJuF56T4yf5XwXHkK4fqZUcvU6P7ansqt-Y49pddoTglKO7Ut~9HvH7C9QXAiqDrWld6aZipd7q4kDOAkCxm6hmSyEBZOoaBOYwGDJldfJSgne7j-2mG~lMcaiGd82Y9-Qwqgt2jG4In0G7wRUvmXOyUc67Ov97ZYGo2o1DnYT5sCVLYWiIcwlQprQZ46~7tU9MNuK93vPeCuSBPtewZw0UmIA0WxAl9gF9F9FUwmfMcv5uArronT6vFo4CpdxVkcpz075zUVvlvFpw92uicceFGRuw1L9WYlhNiHvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kansas Children's Cabinet","date","2025-03-28T00:00:00Z","article","Megan Kluth, research project manager at the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research (CPPR), told the panel the state is halfway through year one of a three-year Preschool Development Grant (PDG) and outlined several initiatives funded through the grant.

Kluth described a new KDHE-led \"childcare zones\" initiative, a competitive funding opportunity that allows a minimum of two counties to apply together to address local childcare needs; the first round of invited communities faces an early April application deadline and a second round will be due in August with technical assistance available beginning mid-April.

She said the Child Care Systems Improvement Team has hosted three regional roundtables (Abilene, Wichita and Topeka) and will host a Southwest Kansas session in Garden City on May 20 to collect community input on successes and gaps in childcare. Kluth encouraged panel members to share the roundtable flyers and to help get broad, statewide participation.

Kluth also previewed a Future Fellows cohort focused on early childhood system leaders, regional care and well‑being conferences (free, public events beginning in Garden City and Hays in May with KDHE in‑service hours and family compensation available), and training and coaching financed by PDG for mental‑health‑informed childcare. She cited a provider-led mental‑health coaching program outside Wichita (Mindful Collective/mindful minis) that will offer coaching and reflective supervision without charge under PDG funding; Bailey Mitchell was listed as the contact.

Kluth asked panel members to help promote PDG opportunities and said CPPR can connect local coalitions to technical assistance. She noted there are 29 separate PDG initiatives and offered to bring partners to future meetings to highlight particular items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle"," Early Childhood Recommendations Panel Meeting- March 28, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","Megan Kluth of the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research said Kansas is midway through year one of a three‑year Preschool Development Grant and highlighted childcare zones funding, regional roundtables, Future Fellows training, regional care conferences and PDG‑funded mental‑health coaching for providers.","taxTitle","Children’s Cabinet, Governor's Boards & Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Kansas","taxId",25239,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6098243,"Panel reads public comment urging limits on classroom screens; panelists respond with training and data safeguards",381,407000,788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977&start=407&end=788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977/thumbnail_407000.jpg","/articles/6098243/Kansas/Panel-reads-public-comment-urging-limits-on-classroom-screens-panelists-respond-with-training-and-data-safeguards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098243-3a44c9fdf2cca619aaf8ed1373821030/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934770&Signature=ZWLY2xzxZUX5VfzxG7US~MMT9wbXvFF399sfxraCGVJAWe1tib~5wtEq7uhf5VNfqWNpcvNR~OfU~NJwFg0MMtvNWT51DwJDqEWCp4Wvt3qiAjMlWnGb0BgaKOtJO3t1XG68Xr157SIheITRiVsCt74Nv5tBgPPkdzyx1BPLbJwZBhuamVdkT-DvzMUrnNK6tV0fGB5jMVK2VrMtagXy27Zo~XeZzV5cCSpAsor8nB8DUB7fRT14aTsUOpWVy3q2ymuxV~u~mf~-KVMSLT12X2DZeGiU2mtnIX-ariaplOWlzU3pXByyoumwiK2Yqex4nSUTkaduJ-39kG2ksYxraQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cornelia Stevens, executive director of Top A Learning Centers in Wichita and chair of the Early Childhood Recommendations Panel, read a written public comment submitted on behalf of Gretchen Shanahan that urged limiting iPads and screens in early childhood settings: \"iPads or screens have no place in the early childhood setting ... All roads lead to industry profit where children become more sedentary and more dependent on digital media.\"

The panel discussed the submission during the Kansas open forum portion of the meeting. Stevens noted the comment had been filed through the Kansas open forum process and invited members to respond.

Melissa Martin (staff member) responded directly to reassure the commenter and the panel that \"we would never ever ever sell children's data\" and said the panel's data-collection systems are kept in-house and are \"not connected to a big tech firm.\"

Hillary Kane, with Kansas Parents as Teachers Association, said the organization was providing a screen-time training to its programs that afternoon and had invited Gretchen Shanahan to share information previously. Kane also announced a new Kansas family resource called Just 10 Minutes, a website and project aimed at helping families replace screen time with brief daily activities; she said the project will be rolled out the week after the meeting.

Panel members said the comment was timely and encouraged continued dialogue: Marites (panel member) said the topic will be addressed at an upcoming local coalition retreat, and Cornelia Stevens offered to connect anyone who wanted to follow up with the commenter through staff contact information. The panel did not take formal action on the comment during the meeting.

The panel moved on to agenda business after the exchange and invited members to suggest related topics for future discussion or training.","At the March Early Childhood Recommendations Panel meeting the chair read a submitted comment warning that educational technology harms children and that student data are sold; panelists said the Cabinet and partner programs do not sell children's data and noted local training and a forthcoming 'Just 10 Minutes' family support website.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6098224,"Work groups report progress; panel opens applications for next term and members share local 'bright spots'",1733,4177000,5910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977&start=4177&end=5910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977/thumbnail_4177000.jpg","/articles/6098224/Kansas/Work-groups-report-progress-panel-opens-applications-for-next-term-and-members-share-local-bright-spots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098224-fd46135e43bc29b252d005b749fe36ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934770&Signature=Wdqn8VY8mQPn0r0jtH-L0tq1C5kGmqTeQsgTMw91QK~e4aJRhhFhUHZPqyICYJLRIOzyGWrVLm4EVGO0-F5f3DHoXsx9XDyd2jXOU3eZ5aTzic~Ra3zI-bcSSGDsgZgh2LHaAP3FEMnnRRyadLSjXBMuUw5Vx8OjKKCkTW1OLMCInQoaVMFZBrnoNRkltHjf8nHfuGFV3qivejbXiu5jRXXZIIzJTj4cnPdefyOJFoAhA4Nl8XsiKNk4tPg8enfDJUvZPZWgpgGr3b748ZFbs58hJ8iD79ZfDV2t4UKH2lbIf7q1ygpDf3ABvi8hcbEzqtnh1eEBqGtfCHlW0ELq4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cornelia Stevens opened work‑group reports and asked for a spokesperson from each group. Dana Book of the Kansas Children's Service League reported progress on a family‑friendly workplace recognition program and said the Department of Commerce will use the survey next week. Stephanie Wiggins reported the exit‑interview work group revised draft questions with a data focus and plans to finalize a recommendation.

Hillary King (Capata) described the mental‑health supports group narrowing focus to three priority systems: substitute services, reflective supervision training and implementation, and mental‑health therapy services. Amy Gottschamer, reporting for targeted recruitment, said her group is struggling to narrow scope — recruitment and retention issues overlap with compensation, mental‑health supports and multiple other initiatives — and is exploring whether to refocus or align more closely with other work groups. Kelly reported the system progress communications group created an inventory of early‑childhood groups and will discuss how or whether to share it publicly.

Lindsay (staff member) announced the application for the 2025–26 panel term is open from April 1 through May 2 for appointments effective July 1, 2025. She described the online application and the panel’s membership categories and urged members to reapply and to share the link with potential applicants; family engagement stipends for lived experts were described on the site.

In a bright‑spots segment, Hillary Kane said home‑visiting programs held a Home Visiting Program Day at the Capitol and met with the early learning caucus; Bronwyn Feese announced a new four‑state conference for principals and administrators focused on early childhood in Branson, Missouri (July); Brenda Bandy publicized earned‑leave/paid‑family‑leave coalition activity and a monthly policy update series; Natalie McClain noted a webinar recording about schools operating licensed childcare and announced Spanish versions of ASQ‑3 and ASQ‑SE‑2 screening questionnaires will be available to Kansas schools for 2025–26; Heather Schoepberger said Head Start turns 60 in 2025 and staff are collecting alumni stories; and Marie Traichel announced an 18‑month reflective‑supervision learning collaborative opening for applications.

Procedural motions: the panel approved the March agenda (mover: Marites; second: Lisa Gehring) and the January meeting minutes (mover: Kathy Gray; second: Natalie MacLean).","Work groups reported on family‑friendly workplace recognition, exit‑interview questions, mental‑health supports, recruitment strategy challenges, and a communications inventory. Panel staff opened applications for the 2025–26 panel term and several members shared local program highlights and events.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6098229,"KU researchers present model to recruit and compensate 'lived experts' for systems change; panel asked to help recruit parent representatives",1542,2520000,4062000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977&start=2520&end=4062","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977/thumbnail_2520000.jpg","/articles/6098229/Kansas/KU-researchers-present-model-to-recruit-and-compensate-lived-experts-for-systems-change-panel-asked-to-help-recruit-parent-representatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098229-6547791861df8da54c2d9ba312c245a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934770&Signature=IsaxVLU3P-LiL5tJjWCb9yuJ~jKLu1kZB2ZbFBAG7axTBs5adMzcbBbVORek94X8Qsi7I28~ZxGOiy4eMNz2kj~95zgHXmWpb2dsqY4IXWNAIEXtp~CfXy0PNLRROTovpHXS6y6qJ1S2iXkNfRVxrJ8ToO63sQqd~CNsb2AeIyIkF7s2mBZC5AVg2j8~jTEHTt~Oo2BQBue2FjZhPgIpmhM60iQp-472PH-ONOkbnA5oyCQ46pUT0~IXVSllxBntp~JuDqyOlK4a0Xl9CBJ-EFaZ3ThUR6PPD8vErMCyIPK99vnYeq5SAKe4GiIVgJynDiF4W0ACzNfdIAs02j6N~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kayla Byers, associate director at the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research, presented a model for engaging lived experts (individuals with direct personal experience of systems) in systems‑change work. Byers defined lived experts broadly — parents and caregivers with experience in child welfare, early childhood services, developmental needs and mental health — and said the model emphasizes co‑creation rather than token consultation.

The model’s five core components are: cohort structure (engage multiple lived experts so voices are not tokenized); mechanisms of accountability (charters, anticipatory design, feedback loops); equity‑based compensation (stipends or wages at fair‑market rates plus support for transportation, childcare and technology and attention to tax/benefit implications); shared and conferred power (co‑decision making and instances of formally delegating decision authority); and low‑barrier entry (flexible opportunities that avoid litmus tests of readiness).

Byers cited examples from Kansas implementation: the Family First Family Council worked with DCF to draft recommendations for the statewide prevention plan and had the opportunity to submit formal policy recommendations through an established form and policy review process. She said lived‑expert input shaped service sequencing in Southeast Kansas through community sense‑making, and that a stipend model is planned for parent representatives who will be eligible if they have a child currently receiving services.

Lindsay (staff member) and Byers asked panel members to assist in recruitment for the lived‑expert cohort opening soon and explained the stipend will cover meeting attendance and childcare expenses. Byers offered to share guidance documents and contact information for follow up.","Kayla Byers of the KU Center for Public Partnerships and Research presented a five‑part model for meaningful lived‑expert engagement — cohort structure, accountability mechanisms, equity‑based compensation, shared/conferred power, and low‑barrier entry — and said stipended parent representatives will be recruited for the next panel term.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6098234,"Legislative session update: Office of Early Childhood language moved into shell bill; budget passed with several early-childhood line items",1118,1400000,2518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977&start=1400&end=2518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824354-0b6c63765cb57d4e78fb2182101ff977/thumbnail_1400000.jpg","/articles/6098234/Kansas/Legislative-session-update-Office-of-Early-Childhood-language-moved-into-shell-bill-budget-passed-with-several-early-childhood-line-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098234-59ec72d58c69080dd5f3047a14a2c6ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934770&Signature=baiLBTuPxedTD3p771LSXpqWfcCj9zDODQmLYMJPuatTnIKwwCZinN70U7NCJbHis-fW-13XCjdLRq1IPxrkPToIlogPHbpvyAPNUl8DE4AB6UAbovmNv4wVZFi2tXMvyK99n5qwH1X13SCCcPjg82nZWuhx44a8uZX1v0xJi-thlg96IMdrF5DxAyji2ucb4k86LTOOz2gReF7MlQgWQqOUF7rfuHPU9lHM9nUYBGQzA0JEKApYkORi8zrJSRk3PTXnLZ1~aTqEJ8nJc7KfI~D6EwOu5Crq-I8Xq7CdfFd6EXU~pO9b9XdHgHcx0LP1XPcOCmIB34q4mcNDPjDf1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John Wilson, senior policy advocate with Kansas Action for Children, told the panel the legislature adjourned until an April veto session and that some major early‑childhood proposals remain active. He said language to create an Office of Early Childhood (originally in Senate Bill 132 and House Bill 2294) was moved late in the process into an unrelated shell bill, House Bill 2045; that measure was in conference committee and subject to further negotiation. \"If you're interested in the Office of Early Childhood, pay attention to 2045,\" Wilson said.

Wilson walked the panel through other bills and budget items that could affect children and families. He said discussions on CHIP eligibility (bills SB2386/HB2701 and provisions later considered in SB126) were unresolved in conference committee and will be studied further next session; a budget proviso was expected to extend current CHIP eligibility for another fiscal year. He noted Senate Bill 79 — a bill to bar SNAP recipients from buying soda or candy with benefits — had passed both chambers but could face a gubernatorial veto that the legislature might not override.

On tax and housing issues, Wilson said House Bill 2210 (a state child tax credit proposal) had not advanced and a bill to eliminate the affordable housing tax credit (21 19) had passed the House but lacked Senate support and remained in conference negotiations. He described the budget process this year as compressed and said the legislature largely wrote its own budget instead of adopting the governor's proposal.

Wilson listed early‑childhood–relevant line items in the budget: $2.5 million for a Blue Cross Blue Shield State of Kansas Child Care Center Partnership; funding for a child care accelerator in Dodge City; retention of funding for the Sunflower Summer program and summer EBT; and removal of workforce registry funding from the Children's Initiative Fund (to be absorbed by DCF). He also said parents/caregivers in KanCare would no longer receive 12 months of continuous eligibility under the enacted budget language.

Wilson encouraged panel members to continue advocacy during the April veto session and to track the conference committee actions that will determine whether the Office of Early Childhood language remains in HB 2045.","John Wilson of Kansas Action for Children told the panel lawmakers folded Office of Early Childhood provisions into House Bill 2045, highlighted bills affecting child health, housing and tax credits, and summarized the budget that passed both chambers including some early-childhood line items and cuts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State PDG program offers childcare zones, regional conferences, workforce supports and mental-health coaching

Panel reads public comment urging limits on classroom screens; panelists respond with training and data safeguards

Work groups report progress; panel opens applications for next term and members share local 'bright spots'

KU researchers present model to recruit and compensate 'lived experts' for systems change; panel asked to help recruit parent representatives

Legislative session update: Office of Early Childhood language moved into shell bill; budget passed with several early-childhood line items