The Health Fund was honored to recognize Kelly Davydov, of Daydelys LLC, and Dr. Jennifer Francois, of Kansas State University, with the Janet Sevier Gilbreath Special Project Recognition Award at a special ceremony May 5 in Hutchinson.
This award, named in honor of our first board chairperson, recognizes one outstanding project from among all funded projects.
Kelly and Jennifer were honored for their commitment to data-driven research, meaningful stakeholder engagement and demonstrated impact on a system that serves Kansas families and children.
The Health Fund partnered with them to take an honest examination of why too few child care providers participate in the Child Care Assistance Program, contributing to only 7.4 percent of potentially eligible children participating. Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential to the well-being of Kansas families.
Their efforts led to developing clear, actionable direction and led to the formation of a Governor’s Office advisory group that was focused on improving the child care subsidy system. A final report was then released with actionable recommendations.
Those recommendations are now being incorporated into the Office of Early Childhood’s transition planning and directly contributed to the passage of legislation this spring that will modernize the child care subsidy management and payment system, which should increase participation of families and child care providers in the subsidy program.
Congratulations to Kelly and Jennifer, and thank you for helping improve the lives of Kansas families.
