The Kansas Children's Cabinet & Trust Fund Board convened on June 6, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing childcare services across the state. The meeting highlighted several key programs designed to address the challenges faced by childcare providers and improve the overall quality of care for children.

The first item on the agenda was the introduction of a substitute pool program, which is being funded as a regional model. This program aims to provide a pool of substitutes for childcare providers, helping to prevent temporary closures due to emergencies or illnesses among staff. The board noted the program's positive impact on maintaining continuity of care for children.

Next, the board discussed the "Mindful Minis" program, part of the childcare capacity accelerator and funded through community innovation grants. This initiative focuses on training childcare providers to address mental health challenges faced by children and families. The training is based on the principles of conscious discipline, equipping providers with the skills needed to support the mental well-being of their communities.

Additionally, the board reviewed the "Baby Steps" program, which offers financial incentives to home-based childcare providers for accepting infants into their licensed care programs. This initiative aims to encourage providers to fill available infant slots that they may have previously chosen not to utilize.

The meeting also covered a pilot program funded by the Preschool Development Grant (PDG), which provides stipends to childcare providers to assist with purchasing health insurance through the exchange. This financial support is intended to help offset the costs associated with healthcare for providers.

In conclusion, the board expressed enthusiasm for the continuation of these programs into the second year of the PDG grant. The meeting wrapped up with a request for a high-level progress report on the two major one-time grant programs: the childcare capacity accelerator and capital projects, which are currently underway across the state. The board remains committed to enhancing childcare services and addressing the needs of providers and families in Kansas.