Regional Community Consultant Network
Supporting Early Childhood Professionals Across Kansas
Regional Community Consultants are located across the state to ensure early childhood professionals have equitable access to the support, resources, and guidance needed to strengthen their child care programs and achieve shared goals.
Find Your Consultant
Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas provides support for 33 counties in Eastern Kansas.
Dark Green Counties: Contact Kristina Griffee at
Light Green Counties: Contact Deb Danielson at
Not in our RCC service area? Find your consultant here!
How We Can Help
Learning Community Meetings: A Peer Support Network
Join a peer support network of early childhood professionals and Regional Community Consultants who meet monthly to collaborate on shared goals. Connect with others in your area to discuss challenges, share ideas, and grow together.
Meetings are educator-driven You help shape the topics we discuss.
Child Care Management System access and support.
Learn about shared services available to you.
Network with professionals who understand your work.
Navigating Challenges
Regional Community Consultants are available to work with programs that have received their KDHE Temporary License. We can support you as you navigate the challenges of starting a new business, from creating policies to setting up your learning environment.
Services We Offer
Personalized Support Virtual, in-person, or phone-based technical assistance.
CLASS Observations Assessments and goal-setting support.
Go NAPSACC Resources Access to materials and free training.
FREE KDHE-Approved Training Hours Ongoing learning opportunities.
Shared Services Network Hub Explore available resources in your area.
State & Local Resource Connections Get support finding grants, consumer education, and more.
Click on the title below for more information.
The foundation of most Shared Service Networks is child care management software, which can help providers communicate with families and staff; set up reminders; handle scheduling and calendars; manage billing, reporting, and enrollment; and much more. The software also helps providers determine where additional support is needed, such as janitorial, maintenance, or administrative services.
Child Care Aware of Kansas has partnered with the companies below to offer this software to KDHE-licensed providers at no cost.
Brightwheel: Elevate your early education platform with the #1 child care management platform on the market! Quick to set up, and even easier to use: Brightwheel is built to save you and your staff time.
Playground: Your dream, all-in-one child care management system, powerful, not overwhelming. Playground has every feature you need to effortlessly run an early child care program, from child management to HR.
Contact your Regional Community Consultant to learn how to get either of these software programs for free.
Not in our RCC service network? Find your Regional Community Consultant here.
For child care centers or family child care, please visit www.optimabenefitsgroup.com or email Deb Danielson at
Abundant Medicare Health & Life Solutions: At Abundant Medicare Health & Life Solutions, their mission is to help you find the best Medicare solutions and maximize your financial future. They understand that your needs and budget may change over time and are committed to being by your side every step of the way.
Docs by Phone: Docs By Phone (or Telemedicine) offers affordable options to help you manage everyday, common health issues that normally require a trip to the doctor or urgent care visit. This online app provides you 24/7 access to doctors via phone, video, or mobile app. Doctors are board certified in your state and licensed to practice medicine and write prescriptions. Your subscription includes a prescription discount card that helps reduce Rx costs.
Learn more about Docs By Phone Telemedicine and the kinds of health issues that can be addressed by creating a free account at ECE Resources Kansas and then finding these cost-effective, comprehensive services here.
Optima: One of the most frequent things heard when talking to early educators is the need for health insurance. The Shared Services Hub has looked at many options and found a service that might benefit your needs. Our southeast Kansas Shared Services Hub is excited to offer you the opportunity to select among several health-related benefits through Optima Benefits and Payroll Voluntary Plans! For more information on Optima and how to apply, email Deb Danielson at
Early Education activity kits are available for checkout at local libraries through the Southeast Kansas Library System.
Organization Accounts & Checking Out Materials: Organization accounts allow materials to be borrowed for organizational use when it is more appropriate for the organization than an individual to assume responsibility for items used during working times. SEKLS and Child Care Aware have set aside funds to replace or repair items lost or damaged by children. Subject to funding, this “insurance” covers up to $100 for each organization. An organization requesting these funds must have checked out materials using an Organization Card.
Recommendations for Issuing Cards:
- Require the organization owner or administrator to present a signed letter on official letterhead indicating the organization accepts financial responsibility for all items borrowed on the account, minus the available $100 damage waiver.
- Present a photo ID, proof of address, and complete registration with all relevant contact information.
- List staff members authorized to use the account.
Member Libraries Should Consider:
- Authorized staff are required to present the organization’s library card or valid ID when using the account.
- Consider expanding loan periods and limits to meet organizational needs.
- Set Organization Cards to expire yearly and renew with verbal or written verification of contact information and an updated list of
authorized users.
Finding Materials: Materials are regularly added to the Professional Collection kits. Click here to see a materials list. New additions will be displayed at the top of the list.
For assistance setting up an organization account, contact Jason Robb at
These services are currently available in Allen, Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, and Miami counties for centers or family child care programs with two caregivers. For information on Substitute Services, contact Robin at 785 263-6312 or
