Leadership

The Early Childhood Advisory Council and its support office - the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood – unifies early childhood programs, services and agencies in the commonwealth.

It coordinates the early childhood work of more than 30 agencies including the three oversight agencies of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Education and Labor Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Education.

Since its inception, the Early Childhood Advisory Council has been a catalyst and change agent. It serves as the coordinating and convening body, with participation from state and local stakeholders.

Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood

The Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood serves as an umbrella organization to create better alignment, efficiencies and concise messaging among once fragmented funding streams and programs. It provides leadership and direction for the commonwealth with the goal of maintaining a comprehensive and sustainable prenatal to age five early childhood system that ensures a strong foundation for all children.

The Head Start Collaborative Office is housed within the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood to facilitate partnerships between Head Start agencies and other state services to benefit children from families with low incomes.

Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Staff

Lynn Baker

Executive Director

Megan Greenwell

Project Specialist

Kelsey Turley

Head Start Collaboration Director

Rebecca Smith

Early Childhood Apprenticeship Coordinator

Michel Hines

Special Projects Coordinator

Robin Johnson

Operations Assistant

A More Consolidated Approach Starts with Visionary Leadership

The Beshear administration has demonstrated its commitment to education and utilizes the experience and expertise of Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, a former Kentucky K-12 educator.

Kentucky Governor
Andy Beshear

Kentucky Lt. Governor
Jacqueline Coleman

The Early Childhood Advisory Council

The Early Childhood Advisory Council meets quarterly on the third Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. During each meeting, the Advisory Council advises on the early care and education system, provides progress updates on the 5-year strategic plan and facilitates collective commitment to increase access and opportunity for children across the state.

Meetings are open to the public and we welcome attendance from those who are passionate about providing a strong foundation for all children in the Commonwealth.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact eccouncil@ky.gov

Governor's Office of Early Childhood 2023 Biennial Report on the State Plan of the Early Childhood Advisory Council

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The Advisory Council Members

Early Childhood Advisory Council includes diverse backgrounds and organizations that lend their expertise and experience to provide leadership, direction, and support to serving the children, families, and communities of the Commonwealth.