Early childhood experiences lay the foundation for a child’s future success. The Early Childhood Team at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) supports local agencies providing early learning opportunities and collaborates with internal and external partners to strengthen early childhood in Kansas. Early childhood spans birth to age 8 (third grade). Our goal is that each student enters kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally and academically prepared for success.

The All In For Kansas Kids needs assessments and strategic plan map our state's future direction for early childhood. Since 2019, thousands of Kansans have shared their experiences and perspectives about the needs of young Kansas children and their families. Now early childhood partners are working together to put this plan into action. Visit the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund website to learn more and get involved. 

The Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS) is a document that provides information and guidance to early childhood providers and teachers, including early primary grade teachers, on the developmental continuum of learning for children from birth through kindergarten. The KELS provide information regarding what young children should know and be able to do as a result of engagement with caring knowledgeable adults, evidence-based curriculum, and developmentally appropriate activities. It is a dynamic resource that providers and teachers can use as they plan activities for, choose and implement curriculum, and engage in conversations with young children and their families around early learning.

In 2023 and 2024 a collaborative group of Kansas early childhood partners worked together to review and complete the fourth revision to the Kansas Early Learning Standards. The Kansas State Board of Education and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund approved the updated Kansas Early Learning Standards in 2024. 

Visit kels.ksde.gov (external link) to view the updated Kansas Early Learning Standards and access supporting resources.

Quality early learning opportunities prepare students to enter kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally and academically prepared for success. KSDE administers several programs that provide funding to support preschool for Kansas students: the Preschool-Aged At-Risk program, the Kansas Preschool Pilot grant, and Early Childhood Special Education (Section 619 of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act). While these programs each have unique requirements, KSDE encourages local districts to offer services that support the needs of each student in combined classrooms supported by multiple funding sources. KSDE also hosts the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC), which is responsible for advising and assisting the Kansas governor and legislature on matters that impact Kansas families with children ages birth to 5 who have, or are at risk for, developmental delays. For more information about Preschool Programs visit our Preschool Program link.