Kansas updates Early Learning Standards with new website and resources

On February 21, 2025, the Kansas Children's Cabinet convened for an Early Childhood Governance Summit, focusing on the recent updates to the Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS). The meeting featured Natalie McClain from the Kansas State Department of Education, who provided a comprehensive overview of the revisions made to the KELS, emphasizing their importance as a guiding framework for early childhood education across the state.

McClain highlighted that the updated standards aim to simplify and enhance usability for educators and caregivers. The KELS were developed with input from a diverse group of early childhood partners, including representatives from child care, preschool, Head Start, and higher education institutions. This collaborative approach ensures that the standards reflect the needs and realities of various stakeholders involved in early childhood education.

A key feature of the updated KELS is the newly launched website, kels.ksde.gov, which serves as a central hub for accessing the standards in both English and Spanish. The site also offers resources such as training materials, short instructional videos, and the full CELS course developed by Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities. McClain reported that over 12,000 printed copies of the updated standards have been distributed statewide, with ongoing requests for additional copies indicating strong interest and engagement from the community.

In addition to the KELS update, the meeting included discussions led by Cora Unger and Ali Braun regarding the Family Leadership Team. Their presentation underscored the importance of family involvement in early childhood education and the need for continued collaboration among families, educators, and policymakers.

The summit concluded with a commitment to further disseminate the updated standards and develop additional resources to support early childhood educators in implementing the KELS effectively. The Kansas Children's Cabinet aims to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for young learners, ensuring that all children in the state have access to high-quality early education. As the initiative progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback and request resources to enhance the educational landscape for Kansas's youngest residents.