The Kansas Head Start Association is developing a statewide oral health program after being awarded two grants: $311,548 over five years from Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation and a two-year grant of $155,760 from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.

Dubbed "Kansas Cavity-Free Kids," the statewide initiative will connect early-learning programs, safety-net clinics, extended-care permit dental hygienists and local dentists.

On Tuesday, February 26 during the Kansas Early Learning Day at the Capitol, KHSA announced to Senator Umbarger that he was selected as their 2008 Legislative Champion. The award recognizes his leadership on legislative issues that positively impact young children, including the expansion of Kansas Early Head Start over the past two years.