Kelly lauds growth of 6,800 child care slots since mid-2022

Gov. Laura Kelly said government funding contributed to an increase of more than 6,800 child care slots after the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of dollars in grants have been awarded as part of the effort, and the state is taking other efforts to reduce barriers.

August 22, 2023 - 3:07 PM

Kansas State University researchers are collaborating on a $5 million program to increase the early childhood care and education workforce statewide by developing a competency-based career pathway initiative. Kansas added 6,800 child care slots since May 2022, but a shortage exacerbated by COVID-19 remained. Photo by (Kansas Reflector screen capture of image from Kansas State University)

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said infusion of government funding contributed to an increase of more than 6,800 child-care slots in Kansas over a 14-month period following erosion of services statewide amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The expansion from May 2022 to July of this year included new positions at licensed daycare homes, group daycare homes, preschools, child care centers and drop-in programs. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported a 400% increase in applications from providers of child care from October 2022 to May 2023.

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