Wichita Regional Child Care and Workforce Efforts Continue with Second Annual Employer Summit
May 19, 2026
WICHITA, Kan. — The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas and Child Start will host an Employer Summit on Child Care Solutions for Workforce Participation on Wednesday, May 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Advanced Learning Library in downtown Wichita.
The summit builds on the momentum of the first employer childcare summit held in 2025, where business leaders, community organizations, and workforce partners came together to discuss the growing impact of childcare challenges on workforce participation and economic stability. Since that time, coalition partners have continued listening sessions, employer engagement, and collaborative planning efforts to better understand the needs of local businesses and working families.
Wednesday’s summit will feature experts from Michigan who will share successful models and strategies focused on employer-supported childcare solutions, including the nationally recognized Tri-Share approach. Speakers include Laurie Evans, Marcus Keech of Wonderschool, and Shannon Garrett with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP).
“This work has continued because employers asked us to keep the conversation moving forward,” said Keith Lawing, Workforce Alliance President and CEO. “Over the past year, we have listened, engaged, and worked alongside community and business leaders to explore solutions that support families while strengthening our workforce,” said Tanya Bulluck, Child Start Executive Director.
The summit is part of a broader regional effort focused on workforce participation, economic mobility, and sustainable childcare solutions for employers and employees alike. Childcare Coalition partners include Allen, Gibbs & Houlik (AGH), Child Start, City of Wichita, Greater Wichita Partnership, Martin Pringle, United Way of the Plains, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas.
Media are invited to attend.
Event Details:
Child Care Solutions for Workforce Participation Employer Summit
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd Street
Wichita, Kansas 67203