WHO WE ARE

Welcome to Kids Collective Child Care Network—a community of passionate caregivers, center directors, and support staff working as one.

This organization was developed to strengthen childcare in Reno County by offering a system of collaborative benefits for providers and ensures families always have access to equitable, nurturing care.

We're not just here to fill gaps—we're here to raise the bar.

OUR STORY

Kids Collective was created to do more than fill gaps in child care—we’re here to raise the bar.

Launched by the Reno County Child Care Task Force, our work began with a clear mission: address the shortage of quality, sustainable child care in our community. Research at the local, state, and national levels revealed systemic barriers—low wages, lack of benefits, and limited support—that make it difficult for providers to attract and keep a strong workforce.

With American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Hutchinson and Reno County, we built a county-wide network to reduce burdens on providers, ensure families have access to equitable, nurturing care, and strengthen the child care system for the long term.

From day one, Kids Collective has operated as a collaborative model—providing administrative infrastructure, staffing support, training, and benefits to child care professionals while giving families peace of mind through consistent, high-quality care.

HEATHER FAULKNER

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Heather Faulkner leads Kids Collective Child Care Network with over 25 years of experience in child care administration and leadership. A Hutchinson native, she blends business expertise from her background in accounting with hands-on knowledge of early childhood care. Before joining Kids Collective, Heather strengthened and expanded operations at Abundant Life Community Child Care & Preschool at The Father’s House, overseeing licensing, compliance, budgeting, staffing, and long-term sustainability.

An advocate for both families and providers, Heather has supported center start-ups, coordinated county-wide communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, and championed policies that strengthen the child care workforce. As a founding member of the Reno County Child Care Task Force, she helped shape the vision that became Kids Collective.

Heather and her husband, Sean, are raising four boys in Hutchinson. She’s passionate about building a network where providers feel supported, families have access to quality care, and child care is recognized as an essential part of a thriving community.

KIDS COLLECTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Comprised of local leaders with a shared commitment to improving childcare in Reno County, the Board ensures that Kids Collective remains accountable to its mission, strategic goals, and the needs of the community.

Board Chair: Kari Mailoux, Hutchinson Community Foundation

Board Secretary: Abby Stockebrand, Consultant

Board Treasurer: Lacey Mills, United Way of Reno County

Megan Gottschalk, Reno County Health Department

Beth Carlton, Reno County Child Care Links

Jessica Flax, Hutchinson Regional Medica Center