This spring KPIRC asked Kansas Head Start programs across the state to help conduct parent-based focus groups in order to collect comments on the Kansas Early Learning Guidelines and Standards (http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1741) and parent perception of “school readiness.” The information that was collected was invaluable and it is our hope that it will help to steer policy and be reflected in documents from Kansas State Department of Education, Head Start, Kansas SRS and other interested parties.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to the following Family Partnership Coordinators at Head Start programs for their participation:

· ANDY HUTCHINSON from Manhattan Head Start
· MICHAEL SCHILLER from Shawnee Mission Head Start
· CYNDI ANTONI from SEKCAP
· STACEY SCHEETZ from NWKESC
· KATHY REDMAN from Dodge City Bright Beginnings

And our gratitude goes out to the following PARENTS for raising their voice and providing this invaluable service to the children of Kansas.

Karla Johnson
Beth Larrabee
Samantha Fugate
Nicole Belville
Vivian Gross
Manny Gross
Lizbeth Alcantara
Will Harlin
Shanell Harlin
Jaime Gregory
John Marsden
Roy Carllson
Autumn Carllson
Wes Hemingway
Shannon Cavender
Annie Henry
Laura House
Leann Fellhoelter
Leon Fellhoelter
Deb HIlt
Pricilla Prentice
Wendy Keith
Jill Hopkins
Greg Jones
Mike Multon
Jenny Alvarado
Tiffany Dorssom
Sherry Hendrix
Stevie Quioñes
Janelle Habiger
Denise Steinke
Thuy Chau
Cindy Syakhasone
Jewell Duarte
Veronica Lopez
Gloria Cabrera
Beatriz Morfin
Maria Del Carmen Morfin
Martha Rodriguez

With sincere thanks,
Kansas Parent Information Resource Center Staff