Kansas Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services

Policy Committee - (Co-Chairs: Tom Laing and Julie Broski)

1. Supporting the monitoring of federal stimulus funds, Medicaid, and special education for impact upon children with or at risk of developmental delays from birth through age five and their families.
2. Explore issues affecting IDEA services for young children in foster care
3. Explore issues affecting IDEA services for young children in homeless conditions
4. Review and assess the current status of efforts to increase and enhance Mental Health services.
5. Supporting the ongoing monitoring of Legislative and Administrative activity for potential impact upon the comprehensive service delivery system of integrated services available in Kansas to all children with or at risk of developmental delays from birth through age five and their families

Public Awareness Committee- (Co-Chairs: Sharon Hixson & Nancy Krase)

1. Disseminate information concerning the value and importance of early intervention and early childhood special education services to targeted audiences; for example:
• Legislators, Policy-Makers, and Candidates
• Other collaborative partners
• Local communities and collaborations
• Other audiences, as identified
2. Plan and implement the tiny-k Day.
3. Assist in planning the Collaborative Parent Leadership Training.

Improving Services Committee - (Chair: Dr. Tish Taylor)

1. Advise and assist state agencies that are providing services to our targeted population
2. Supporting ongoing monitoring of initiatives which directly impact and/or have the potential to impact children with or at risk of developmental delays from birth through age five and their families including:
• Medicaid waiver for young children with autism spectrum disorder,
• Kansas Pre-School,
• Early Childhood Block grants,
• ARRA funding and our Maintenance of Effort responsibility
• & other as they occur
3. Advise and assist with the gathering of data on services to specified underserved populations; for example - foster care, homelessness families, families who reside in tribal jurisdictions, and those needing mental health services
4. Explore the feasibility of and possible avenues for the collection of data tracking children who “graduate” from Part C (either at age 3 or before), and how they succeed in later life.