Our mission is to provide early childhood development services that prepare children for lifelong success.


Our Impact

All of our work is focused on high-quality early childhood learning with enduring benefits that last well into adulthood.

600

Every year, through the Head Start Program, our staff serves more than 600 children from birth to the age of five from low income families.

1,000

Child Start offers resources and support to 1,000 licensed child care facilities in five founties – Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Harvey and Sumner.

3,000

3,000 caregivers receive training to help them gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality early childhood environments and receive credit required by Kansas licensing standards

Our Programs

Head Start 0-5 Program

Free program for pregnant mothers and children ages 0-5.


Early Childhood Connections

Providing services to early childhood professionals and parents which include training, coaching and mentoring, marketing, and a resource library.


Our History

Child Start was established in 1958, created in response to unmet needs for child care in the community.  The United Fund (now United Way of the Plains) had appointed a committee to look into the problem, and that committee recommended establishment of a new agency to oversee the sponsored services.… read more >>

Media Center

Have a story about child care, parents, children, or families?  Connect with us!

Want to see our mission in action?  View our online gallery >>

Current Bid & Proposal Opportunities

All open bids and proposals for Child Start, including Head Start, appear below. If nothing appears below, there are no bids currently being accepted. Check back often.

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Public Reporting

Access to our financials and annual reports >>

Meeting Space Rentals

Child Start has several meeting rooms available for rent.  Please contact us for more information and pricing >>

Upcoming Events