Kansas grants $2.1 million toward early education gaps

Governor Laura Kelly has announced over $2.1 million in grants in order to help address gaps in early childhood care and education.

Governor Laura Kelly says she announced over $2.1 million in grant funding will head to 59 ‘All in for Kansas Kids’ Quality Subgrants. She said the grants help communities, services, childcare providers and other early childhood champions address needs and gaps in early childhood care and education through locally-driven ideas and approaches.

According to Gov. Kelly, grantees and childcare providers from throughout the state will use their awards to develop and implement new practices that help kids and families in their communities thrive. She said over 140 applications were submitted and each focused on addressing gaps in access, availability and quality of childcare, as well as community-level support for families.

“Investing in early childhood care and education system is one of the best ways we can improve outcomes for Kansas families and communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we continue to rebuild our state’s foundation, supporting our kids’ development from Day One will boost our communities, help recruit businesses, and encourage those in our current and future workforces to stay in the places they grew up.”

Gov. Kelly said funding for the subgrants was made possible by the federal Preschool Development Birth Through Five Renewal Grant, which is a 3-year grant that was awarded to Kansas in April of 2020. She said many funded projects will get multi-year support that aligns with the federal grant to create long-term and sustainable changes.