The Kansas Children's Cabinet Early Childhood Recommendations Panel convened on July 18, 2025, to discuss key initiatives aimed at enhancing family engagement and support for early childhood professionals. The meeting highlighted several important funding opportunities and initiatives designed to improve access to resources for families and child care providers across the state.

The session began with an overview of funding available through the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) for organizations conducting family engagement activities. This funding is intended to compensate families for their time when participating in surveys or feedback sessions. The panel noted the success of various school districts and child care providers in organizing back-to-school events that serve as educational resource fairs for families. A simple request form for accessing these funds is now available and will remain open for the coming months, encouraging early applications for fall and winter events.

Additionally, the panel discussed an initiative led by Thrive Allen County, which aims to assist child care professionals in accessing health insurance. This program has reportedly enabled some professionals to obtain health insurance for the first time, a significant development for many in the field. The initiative includes personalized navigation assistance for those interested in exploring health insurance options and financial support for licensed child care providers, with a preference for family child care providers. The next round of this initiative is set to launch in August, with further details to be shared in upcoming newsletters.

As the meeting progressed, panel members expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing work within communities, emphasizing the importance of meeting families where they are rather than imposing predetermined solutions. The next cabinet board meeting is scheduled for August 1, followed by the recommendations panel meeting on August 15.

In closing, members were reminded to review the strategic plan and consider priorities for the upcoming year, including topics and speakers they would like to engage with. The meeting concluded with a commitment to foster greater involvement from all members in future discussions, ensuring a collaborative approach to advancing early childhood initiatives in Kansas.