--- title: "Kansas’s Early Learning Standards" id: "22343" type: "page" slug: "kansas" published_at: "2026-05-29T16:59:31+00:00" modified_at: "2026-05-29T16:59:31+00:00" url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/" markdown_url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas.md" excerpt: "Standards-alignedAll 8 domains coveredNAEYC & Head Start aligned Browse other states Arizona Colorado Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Michigan Minnesota Missouri New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas View all 51 states → Kansas framework overview Kansas’s KELS: The official early..." taxonomy_language: - "English" --- [Brightwheel](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/) › [Early Learning Standards](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/) › [Kansas](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/) › Kansas’s Early Learning Standards # Kansas’s Early Learning Standards ## Kansas’s KELS: The official early learning framework — all 8 developmental domains and how Experience Curriculum aligns to each one. Standards-alignedAll 8 domains coveredNAEYC & Head Start aligned Browse other states [Arizona](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/arizona/) [Colorado](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/colorado/) [Florida](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/florida/) [Georgia](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/georgia/) [Illinois](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/illinois/) [Indiana](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/indiana/) [Michigan](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/michigan/) [Minnesota](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/minnesota/) [Missouri](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/missouri/) [New York](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/new-york/) [North Carolina](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/north-carolina/) [Ohio](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/ohio/) [Pennsylvania](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/pennsylvania/) [Texas](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/texas/) [View all 51 states →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/) Kansas framework overview## Kansas’s KELS: The official early learning standards framework Kansas’s early learning standards are organized under the Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS), revised in 2024 and administered by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). A dedicated website at kels.ksde.gov was launched in July 2024 to support implementation. KELS applies to licensed childcare programs, Head Start, and early childhood special education programs serving children from birth through kindergarten entry. KELS defines developmental expectations across all 8 domains and guides curriculum planning, developmental assessment, and program quality in Kansas’s licensed early care and education programs. Programs can view current guidance at the [KELS website](https://kels.ksde.gov) . Framework name Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS), Revised 2024 Administered by Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Age range covered Birth through kindergarten entry Quality Improvement Kansas does not currently operate a formal statewide QRIS. Programs can support quality improvement through KSDE’s early childhood initiatives and local CCR&R agency resources. Using a research-based curriculum aligned to Kansas’s KELS supports program quality improvement, licensing compliance, and Head Start Performance Standard requirements. Explore by developmental domain## Kansas’s KELS domains and Experience Curriculum alignment Select a developmental domain below to see how Kansas’s KELS defines that domain, the key milestones by age group, and exactly how Experience Curriculum activities and skills map to each KELS indicator. [Social-Emotional DevelopmentSelf-regulation, peer relationships, identity, empathy, and emotional expressionExplore Kansas Social-Emotional Development standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/social-emotional/) [Language & LiteracyReceptive and expressive language, phonological awareness, early reading and writingExplore Kansas Language & Literacy standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/language-literacy/) [Mathematics & ReasoningNumber sense, patterns, measurement, spatial reasoning, and early problem-solvingExplore Kansas Mathematics & Reasoning standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/mathematics/) [ScienceObservation, inquiry, cause-and-effect, and exploration of the natural worldExplore Kansas Science standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/science/) [Social StudiesCommunity, family, cultural identity, roles, and civic understandingExplore Kansas Social Studies standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/social-studies/) [Creative ArtsVisual arts, music, movement, dramatic play, and creative expressionExplore Kansas Creative Arts standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/creative-arts/) [Physical DevelopmentGross and fine motor skills, body awareness, health, and self-careExplore Kansas Physical Development standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/physical-development/) [Approaches to LearningCuriosity, persistence, initiative, flexibility, and attentionExplore Kansas Approaches to Learning standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/kansas/approaches-to-learning/) Curriculum alignment## How Experience Curriculum aligns to Kansas’s KELS Experience Curriculum is formally aligned to Kansas’s KELS across all three age bands — Baby (birth to 18 months), Toddler (18 to 36 months), and Preschool (3 to 5 years) — and all 8 developmental domains. The [Kansas KELS Alignment PDF](https://www.mothergoosetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/KansasEarlyLearning.pdf) documents how every Experience Curriculum activity and skill maps to a specific KELS indicator. For Kansas programs using brightwheel, developmental observations can be logged directly in the app during or after activities, automatically building each child’s portfolio and supporting Quality Improvement curriculum documentation requirements. Download the alignment PDF The [Kansas KELS Alignment PDF](https://www.mothergoosetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/KansasEarlyLearning.pdf) is a free resource documenting how every Experience Curriculum activity maps to Kansas’s KELS indicators — suitable for QRIS review submissions and licensing documentation. Frequently asked questions## Common questions about Kansas’s early learning standards What is Kansas’s official early learning framework? Kansas uses the Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS), revised in 2024 and administered by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), as its official early learning framework. KELS covers all 8 developmental domains from birth through kindergarten entry and applies to licensed childcare programs, Head Start programs, and early childhood special education programs statewide. Is Experience Curriculum aligned to Kansas’s KELS? Yes. Experience Curriculum is formally aligned to Kansas’s KELS across all age bands (Baby, Toddler, and Preschool) and all 8 developmental domains. The Kansas Alignment PDF maps every Experience Curriculum activity to the specific KELS indicator it supports, providing documentation for licensing visits and Head Start Performance Standard reviews. Does Kansas have a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)? Kansas does not currently operate a formal statewide QRIS. Programs can access quality improvement support through KSDE’s early childhood initiatives and local CCR&R agencies. Using a research-based curriculum aligned to Kansas’s KELS — particularly the revised 2024 edition — supports program quality improvement and licensing compliance. Which Kansas programs are required to follow the KELS? Licensed childcare programs, Head Start programs, and early childhood special education programs in Kansas are expected to use a curriculum aligned to the KELS. KSDE provides training and resources through kels.ksde.gov to support programs in implementing the revised 2024 standards. ## See Experience Curriculum in your Kansas program Research-based, state-aligned curriculum delivered to your door every month. [Get a free tour](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/experience-curriculum/)