Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Early Learning Standards topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kansas updates Early Learning Standards; digital resources and print copies distributed
Summary
Kansas State Department of Education released simplified, updated Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS) with a public website and both English and Spanish resources; over 12,000 printed copies were initially distributed.
Natalie McClain, preschool programs coordinator at the Kansas State Department of Education, presented an update on the Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS) and the statewide distribution of resources.
McClain said the standards were revised to simplify language and improve usability for practitioners. The updated KELS are available digitally (English and Spanish) at kels.ksde.gov and the site includes training, short videos and links to a full KELS course developed by the Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities partners. Printed copies were widely distributed: an initial shipment of 12,390 copies went to licensed family child-care homes, centers, preschools, school-age programs, infant–toddler Part C providers, school districts, cooperatives, and Head Start programs. After the initial distribution, an additional 34 Spanish copies and 564 English copies were shipped in response to orders placed through the website.
McClain noted the website provides resources, crosswalks (for example, between KELS and the Head Start Early Learning Framework) and tools that help programs identify gaps between their current curricula and the standards. She invited suggestions for additional crosswalks and resources.
Ending
McClain encouraged providers and partners to use kels.ksde.gov for resources and to request printed copies as needed; she offered contact information for follow-up resource requests.
