Kansas Office of Early Childhood one month in; Child Care Development Fund and Head Start regs flagged

Christy Smith of the Kansas Office of Early Childhood told the Cabinet the new KOEC team is deep-diving into workflows, policies and how existing programs connect as the office becomes operational.

"We are 1 month into opening up KOEC, and we are taking a deep dive into taking a look at workflows, processes, current policies that are in place," Smith said, describing their review to prepare for the 2027–29 state plan for the Child Care Development Fund. She also noted recent Head Start regulation changes under federal review and said the office will examine how those changes may affect Kansas implementation.

Smith highlighted that Governor Kelly’s executive order establishing the Kansas Early Learning Advisory Council places a seat for a Children’s Cabinet member; KOEC staff said they will follow up with the Cabinet on how to nominate or designate that representative. The Cabinet agreed to stay informed as KOEC refines administrative processes and begins coordination with grantees and partners.