The Kansas legislature passed a budget for 2009 that includes $14.4 million in funding for expanded access to proven, successful early learning programs for Kansas kids. That means that more children will have the opportunity to participate in programs that help prepare them for success in school and beyond.

Included in the $14,4 million is $11.1 million to establish a Kansas Early Childhood Block Grant. The block grant will help fund both public and private programs that meet rigorous quality standards. The funds will be administered by the Children’s Cabinet.

In addition, the budget shifted certain early learning programs from the State General Fund to the Children’s Initiative Fund (CIF). As a result, Kansas now has a dedicated funding stream for early learning in the CIF, with an increased percentage of the CIF supporting early childhood programs like Kansas Early Head Start, Parents as Teachers, tiny k, the Kansas Preschool Program, and the Kansas Quality Rating System.

This is a tremendous step towards making Kansas the best state in the country in which to raise a child!