Child Care Aware of Kansas

Voices That Matter: Jewell County's Child Care Challenge 📢 A wave of young families returning to Jewell County is bringing new energy—but also a growing demand for child care. With more infants needing care, providers are stretched thin, and available slots are scarce. How is this rural community navigating the challenge? Read the full story to see how local efforts are making a difference. ⬇️ 🔗 https://loom.ly/p4RQUwo

No Spring Break plans yet? Now you do! 🌻 Check out this *Kansas Child* article from Kansas Tourism for fun ways to explore the Sunflower State with a family-friendly vacation—right here at home! https://loom.ly/k-z02KA

Kansas Child Magazine – Spring 2025 Issue is Here! This edition features articles from our partners at SOUTHEAST KANSAS COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, Child Care Provider Coalition of KS, Kansas Tourism, and Kansas Association for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Dive into expert advice on creating routines and schedules, mindfulness practices for children, and family-friendly Spring Break trips across Kansas. Subscribe here to read for free: https://loom.ly/c-L6ISk

📸 Your Photo Could Be on the Cover of Kansas Child Magazine! 📸 We’re looking for a standout images for the cover of upcoming issues of Kansas Child Magazine —and it could be yours! Whether it’s a moment of learning, laughter, or discovery, we want to see the heart of early childhood through your lens. Submit your photo and find all the details here: https://loom.ly/SkoiurE Hurry—don’t miss your chance to be featured!

Voices That Matter: Ford County In Ford County, Kansas, booming industries like Cargill and National Beef drive the local economy—but families are struggling to find child care that fits their schedules and needs. With only 27% of the necessary child care slots available, the community faces a serious challenge. Coalitions, providers, and advocates are stepping up to find solutions. Read the full story here: https://loom.ly/k5PV4rw #ChildCareInKansas

Match Madness is less than a month away and we are feeling lucky! 🍀 Join the fun in person anytime from 7 am to 6 pm on Thursday, March 13 at the Salina Fieldhouse. Make plans to stop by and see Kelsey and Tracie at our booth! Greater Salina Community Foundation #MatchMadness2025

Voices That Matter: Crawford County Child care providers, families, and coalitions in Crawford County, Kansas are working together to create solutions that make quality child care more accessible and affordable for their community. With over 35,000 residents, the need is great—but so is the determination to make a difference. Check out this inspiring story, made possible with support from our friends at Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas. #ChildCareInKansas https://loom.ly/MwJ_CkU

Families, child care providers, and advocates in Cloud County are tackling child care challenges head-on. Hear their story and solutions as they work to create a stronger future for local families! #ChildCarInKansas https://loom.ly/qob5E7c

Welcome, Lydia Vierthaler, to our Board of Directors! We are excited to introduce Lydia Vierthaler as the newest member of the Child Care Aware of Kansas Board of Directors! Lydia and her husband, Mark, live near Nashville, KS, with their three children. She has worked in the ag industry for 11 years and has been a credit analyst at High Plains Farm Credit for the last 4.5 years. As a full-time working mom in rural Kansas, Lydia is passionate about expanding access to safe, affordable, and high-quality child care—especially in rural communities. Her firsthand experience and industry expertise will help us drive meaningful solutions for families and businesses across the state. We’re thrilled to have her on board! Join us in welcoming Lydia. 👏 #RuralChildCare #ChildCareInKansas

Welcome, Dr. Amanda M. Cavaness, to our Board of Directors! We are proud to introduce Dr. Amanda M. Cavaness as the newest member of the Child Care Aware of Kansas Board of Directors! With two decades of experience in education, Amanda has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal with Coffeyville Public Schools since 2005. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas in 2022 and brings a wealth of knowledge in early education, leadership, and community engagement. Amanda lives in Coffeyville, Kansas, with her husband, two children, and their golden doodle. She values quality family time—especially around the dinner table each night. Her passion for education and child well-being will be a tremendous asset to our mission. Join us in welcoming Amanda! 👏 #ChildCareinKansas