The targeted recruitment work group reported progress updating a recruitment-and-retention resource page on the All In for Kansas Kids website and raised concerns about high-school early-childhood education (ECE) course documentation that may not translate into KDHE licensing credits.

Amy Gotchamer, spokesperson for the group, said the web page—built with KUCPPR assistance—targets four audiences: front-line professionals, state agencies and organizations, advocates, and local coalitions. The page collects recruitment and retention ideas beyond wages, such as public‑perception campaigns, professional growth pathways, mental‑health resources and small‑business supports for family‑childcare providers.

Gotchamer described a recurring problem: certificates issued by high‑school CTE or ECE programs often list course topics but omit KDHE approval language, core competencies and subject‑area hour breakdowns required by KDHE licensing or by credentialing specialists. She noted one example in which students presented a certificate showing course topics and a high‑school credit (1.5 CEUs) but not the KDHE approval or subject‑area hours; a director who reviewed the certificate said it was unclear whether the student met health‑and‑safety hour requirements or the pediatric first‑aid standard, requiring the employer to pay for duplicate training.

The group recommended creating a committee with KDHE, KSDE (Career and Technical Education), community providers, school districts and higher‑education representatives to align high‑school coursework, dual‑credit documentation and KDHE licensing requirements. Proposed outcomes include ensuring high‑school ECE students are introduced to the Kansas early‑learning standards, enrolled in the CAPE registry, offered Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDPs) and receive documentation that is recognizable to employers and credentialing specialists.

Gotchamer also recommended dual‑credit arrangements so paraprofessionals and high‑school students could complete KDHE‑approved foundations modules before they enter summer work, reducing duplication and cost for community providers. The group will continue to update the recruitment website, add dynamic spotlights for events and trainings, and coordinate with other work groups such as the mental‑health and exit‑interview teams.

No formal vote was taken; the group will seek cross‑agency committee formation and website updates.