Reflecting on the All In For Kansas Kids Child Care Licensing Roundtable – Northwest Kansas

I had the opportunity to attend the Child Care Licensing Regional Roundtable hosted by All In For Kansas Kids and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Hays. From the moment I walked in, the environment felt open, honest, and incredibly supportive. It was a space created for child care professionals and caregivers across Northwest Kansas to speak freely, share stories, and voice concerns—and I’m so glad I showed up.

One of the most impactful aspects of the roundtable was hearing how varied child care experiences are across regions. While some providers spoke of smooth licensing processes and supportive local agencies, others shared real frustrations—things like lack of communication, unclear expectations, and the emotional toll of staying compliant while still giving 110% to the children in their care.

I had the chance to share some of my own experiences as well, especially about the need for stronger communication between OCC staff and providers when changes are made to a license. I emphasized how important transparency is and how even small oversights can leave caregivers feeling left out of critical decisions.

What stood out to me most was that this wasn't just a space to vent—it was a space to be heard. The Systems Improvement Team listened actively, asked follow-up questions, and took notes. This wasn’t about checking a box—it felt like they were there to learn, not just lead.

If Kansas truly wants to support its caregivers and educators, we need more events like this.

Open dialogue is the first step toward real change—and I left the roundtable feeling hopeful that our voices will help shape a better system for the children and families we serve.