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 the establishment of a new agency to oversee the sponsored services.

1958

Wichita Child Day Care Association established with support from local United Way; operates historic “day nursery” and offers training for private childcare providers

1976

Becomes grantee for local Head Start program serving low-income 4-year-olds; also helps family childcare homes receive reimbursement for meals served to children through the Child & Adult Care Food Program

1990

Joins 15 Kansas agencies to create a statewide child care resource & referral network that helps parents find childcare and works to improve quality of care

1995

Is selected to help pilot the new Early Head Start program serving children ages 0-3 years and pregnant women

2011

Achieves Quality Assurance credential from Child Care Aware of America for its services to parents and childcare providers

Today!

Child Start Child Start continues to keep its finger on the pulse of the community, offering services based on community needs.

Currently Child Start:

  • Directly reaches 582 Head Start children ages 0-5 years and their families with comprehensive full-day, full-year services
  • Maintains a database of local childcare providers for parents’ searches
  • Trains and mentors childcare providers so high quality care is available locally
  • Advocates for children and families, and for regulation that supports quality care

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

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