Register Now for Early Learning Day at the Capitol 2024!

Kansas providers, advocates, and families are invited to Early Learning Advocacy Day in Topeka on

Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.!

This day is dedicated to forming relationships with lawmakers and sharing first-hand stories about Kansas’ child care and early learning system.  

Advanced registration is required. Due to space constraints, registration is strictly limited to 150 participants. 

Advocacy Day begins at the Kansas Health Institute to learn about advocating and telling your story. Later in the Statehouse, you can meet with your lawmaker, connect with early learning advocates, and have lunch with other professionals! 

Program and Advocacy Day Check-in is at: 

Kansas Heath Institute 

212 SW 8th Avenue, #300 

Topeka, KS 66603 

Program Descriptions: 

You Belong Here – Elevate Your Voice 

Advocating can be intimidating and overwhelming. Learn how to craft your story and share it with your lawmakers. This learning opportunity is your first step in forming an ongoing relationship with Kansas policymakers. (This program does not qualify for KDHE training hours.) 

Reading in the Rotunda 

Connect with your lawmaker while they read to the children in your care. This activity is a more relaxed way to interact with others in the Statehouse. 

 Lawmaker Visits 

Schedule a visit with your lawmakers. This may happen at a time that is convenient for you during the day. This opportunity is yours to plan, but the event planners are happy to answer questions; meeting advice will be provided in advance. 

 House and Senate Chamber Proceedings 

You may take an opportunity to watch the House of Representatives and Senate chambers’ proceedings in the galleries on the 4th floor. The House of Representatives meets at 11:00 a.m. in the west wing. The Senate meets at 2:30 p.m. in the east wing. Food and drink are not allowed in the gallery. Visitors cannot take pictures of the voting board in the House chamber. 

 Early Learning Caucus 

During the lunch hour, lawmakers will meet to learn about early childhood. This event’s topic is “Innovative Business Solutions.” Representatives from KDHE, Child Care Aware, and Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities, along with members of the child care workforce, will describe innovative solutions being used in child care environments around the state. The meeting is open to the public in room 118-N at 12:00 p.m.; however, space will be limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. The meeting will also be recorded.  

Lawmaker Debrief

After spending the day learning together and advocating in the Statehouse, come share your experiences about the day! Join other participants and advocates for a chance to touch base about what you’ve learned and who you met with so that you can take your next steps in advocating for child care and early learning. 

 Capitol Building Tours 

You may schedule a tour through the Kansas Visitor’s Center for a guided tour around the Capitol Building. You will learn about the history, architecture, and more during this tour. This event is not facilitated or planned by the Advocacy Day planning committee. Learn more about Capitol Tours>> https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-plan-your-visit/18649  

 

ENERGY AWARENESS: An ESSDACK INspired Leadership Workshop with Kelly Turcotte

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP WITH KELLY TURCOTTE

NOW OPEN TO REGION 7 AND KANSAS PARTNERS!

February 9, 2024
9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM

Cost: $100 or 3/$276  (limit 29 attendees) 

Zoom link will be sent to registered participants the day before the workshop.

Workshop Description: 

Depending on how we perceive a situation we are going to experience a mix of two kinds of energy: Catabolic and Anabolic energy.

Catabolic energy is characterized by destructive, contracting, and stressful energy. It’s the kind of energy that’s present when we feel that we “have to” finish a project on time or when we “should” have that difficult conversation with a colleague. Catabolic energy will leave us with a sense that there is a problem and someone is at fault (either ourselves or another person). We might feel stuck, overwhelmed, demotivated, or that a particular aspect of our life or business is out of our control, negatively affecting our mood. 

Anabolic energy, on the other hand, is creative, fueling, and expanding. At work, it shows up as enjoyment of the process - even when it’s challenging. It is present in teams where collaboration, commitment, belief in one another, and synergy are the norm.  When anabolic energy is present, there is a sense of motivation, clarity, and forward movement. 

Once we bring awareness to the kind of energy we are experiencing, more choices become available to us.

The outcome of this workshop is to bring awareness to personal and professional possibilities that can be created when partnering with INspired Leadership.

 

Kelly Turcotte is a leadership coach that partners with individuals, teams, and organizations to notice, challenge, and take action on the stories that keep them from getting what they want.

 

Impacts of Substance Use Disorder on Families: Strengths-Based Approaches and Resources

Lunch-Hour Workshop with DCCCA's Stacy Haines:
Impacts of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) on Families: Strengths- Based Approached and Resources

Date: February 29, 12:00-1:00 PM

Cost: $15

In this training you will

  1. explore the impact that substance use disorder has on families,

  2. identify strength-based approaches to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors,

  3. explore family roles in addiction,

  4. parent/child attachment, and

  5. how we can support families.