KEY QUOTE: “Giving Kansas kids the strongest start to life is the best possible investment we can make,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This task force will determine how to make that investment most effectively.” 

Kansas Gov. Creates Early Childhood Transition Task Force 

Kelly creates early childhood task force with first executive order of second term 

Kansas Governor establishes Early Childhood Task Force 

Kansas governor signs executive order establishing early childhood task force 

Kansas governor creates task force for cabinet-level child care office via executive order 

As first act of second term, Kelly coins new early childhood task force 

Gov. Kelly Signs Executive Order Establishing Early Childhood Transition Task Force 

What they’re saying:

"We are extremely pleased to see Governor Kelly’s executive order targeting this complex challenge. Our child care system has been broken for decades and tweaking the current model will not yield sufficient results. The creation of a task force to provide thought leadership on how to transform our approach to this critical infrastructure for the business community and society at large is an excellent first step. The lack of high quality, affordable early child care and education is a national issue, creating an opportunity for Kansas to differentiate itself and attract the workforce necessary to achieve our full potential."
-Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka, and Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Coalition

"Governor Kelly’s announcement represents an incredible opportunity for Kansans to create an early care and education system that truly works for young children, families, and child care providers across the state. We’re thrilled to support the creation of this taskforce and look forward to seeing the progress unfold over the next year."
-Kelly Davydov, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas

"A child’s experience during their earliest years have a lifelong impact, which is why I applaud Governor Kelly for her bold vision to invest in early childhood care and education and the healthy development of every child in Kansas.  The work of the taskforce will enable Kansas to meet the needs of families, save the state money and improve opportunities for all of Kansas kids.  I look forward to working with Governor Kelly and her team to ensure Kansas continues to be best state in the country to raise a family."
-David Jordan, President and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund

"Early childhood care and education is the cornerstone for a child’s well-being. I am excited to embark on this journey of collaboration, under the steady leadership of Governor Kelly, as we work to move early childhood policy forward to address the needs of Kansas families."
-Laura Howard, Secretary of the Department for Children and Families

"I applaud the Governor for having the vision to create this task force. I look forward to collaborating with policy experts and others to align on early childhood policy development within a future agency that will bring greater efficiencies and eliminate structural barriers for families, communities, and businesses."
-Janet Stanek, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

"The work of this new task force represents a commitment to the transformational change needed to create an early childhood care and education system that works for all Kansas families. The pandemic revealed the challenges in our current system, and we are excited to go to work developing an action plan to address barriers, gaps, and opportunities to serve our youngest Kansans more effectively."
-Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund

"Governor Kelly is a champion for Kansas children who understands that high-quality early learning opportunities and family support programs are among the best investments we can make as a state. The best policies and proposals are those that have been shaped by diverse stakeholders, which is why I am excited for the work of this task force. It will build upon the strong, collaborative work that's been happening across state agencies to improve the health and well-being of children and families." 
-John Wilson, President of Kansas Action for Children