High-quality, affordable early childhood education (ECE) can help children prepare to be future leaders in our communities and in our state. Unfortunately, quality early childhood education is out of reach for many Kansas kids because of costs and missed opportunities for statewide collaboration. With increased federal funding, an ongoing pilot project, and a new governor who understands the importance of early childhood education, Kansas has three opportunities to maximize the effectiveness of these programs and the children they serve. (author abstract)