The document outlines the Kansas Parent Research Initiative which aims to better understand how parents define and access support resources for their children, and how agencies utilize and respond to parent input. The initiative will inform strategies in the KECCS and KSF plans to involve families at multiple levels and how agencies can utilize parent input to deepen involvement. Focus groups with parents will gather data on attitudes, behaviors, and contextual factors regarding childcare, education programs, and support access. Next steps include additional focus groups, an agency survey, parent meetings, and implementing recommendations.

1. Kansas Parent Research Initiative Rebecca Gillam, LMSW [email_address]

3. Parent Focus Groups Family members attitudes & behaviors Childcare program Parent education program Context factors --political --economic --social norms --workforce policies --culture --family structure --urban/rural setting