Workforce Development Advisory Group
History and Purpose
The Workforce Development Advisory Group (WDAG) was established in 2013 and is a function of the Child Care Workforce Professional Development contract held by Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities (KCCTO). The goal and focus of the WDAG are as follows:
Goal: Provide ongoing connections with early childhood practitioners who provide early education and care to Kansas children and their families
Focus: Collaboration to advance and improve the early childhood professional development system in Kansas
WDAG Leadership
Lead: Chelsea Schulte, KCCTO | cmitch@ksu.edu
Administrative Support: Kelsee Hauser, KCCTO | kelseeh@ksu.edu
WDAG Membership
Members of the WDAG include representatives from state agencies, professional development organizations, higher education, and direct service professionals. Individuals interested in joining the WDAG can complete the WDAG Membership Form.
Development of Recommendations
The WDAG uses the expertise of our members to draft recommendations for action. Recommendations related to the broader early childhood system are directed to the Early Childhood Recommendations Panel for consideration by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. Recommendations that require enhancements to Cape are directed to the Registry Governance Board. Other recommendations may be directed to other organizations or groups.
Meeting Information
The WDAG meets by Zoom from 1:30 – 3:00 PM on the fourth Wednesday of even months. December’s meeting is held on the first Wednesday of the month. Meeting agendas with topics of discussion are provided to the group the week prior to the meeting.
Calendar invites will be sent on an annual basis.
WDAG members also have access to a SharePoint site where meeting and workgroup materials are available. Meeting minutes, meeting recordings, and related materials are also shared via email with the WDAG membership following each meeting.
Each workgroup has a folder in the WDAG SharePoint for document storage and collaboration.
Current Workgroups
Workgroups are formed by the WDAG when targeted efforts are needed around a particular topic. The following groups were either formed out of the larger WDAG or were formed externally but are relevant to the WDAG work. Workgroups typically meet more frequently than the large group to assess, plan, discuss, review and draft recommendations. Questions about a workgroup can be directed to the lead.
Collaborative Technical Assistance (TA) Network
Established: 2023
Lead: Stephanie Parks (stephanieparks@ksu.edu)
Goal: Develop guiding pillars that serve as the foundation for delivery of technical assistance to ECCE professionals.
Trainer Approval System
Established: 2025
Leads: Sarah Minshull (sarah.minshull@ks.childcareaware.org)
Goal: Explore strategies to champion quality child care.
Past Recommendations
- 2019: Workforce Registry/Career Pathway/Core Competencies
- 2020: Workforce Registry
- 2022: Individualized Professional Development Plan
- 2022: Core Competencies
- 2024: Trainer and Training Approval Processes
- 2025: Statewide TA Definitions
For additional details on past recommendations, email Chelsea Schulte at cmitch@ksu.edu.