Futures First

Futures First At Futures First (formerly The Family Conservancy), we know the earliest years matter most. Learn more and connect with us at www.futuresfirstkc.org

We provide educators and caregivers with the support they need to help every child in Kansas City flourish. 🌱 The experiences children have in these years shape how they learn, grow, and thrive for a lifetime. That’s why we build up the people who nurture young lives — giving educators and caregivers the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to help every child thrive.

Megan was heartbroken when she learned her younger sister had ripped her favorite blanket. In the rush of emotions, she ...
03/04/2026

Megan was heartbroken when she learned her younger sister had ripped her favorite blanket. In the rush of emotions, she yelled and lashed out at her sister, unsure how to handle the wave of frustration and hurt.

Later that evening, Megan’s caregiver sat down with her and opened a book about understanding her feelings. Using the story to carefully talk through what had happened, while exploring healthier ways to respond when feelings get overwhelming.

Something began to shift.

The next day, Megan apologized and wrapped her sister in a big hug. A small but meaningful moment of growth. From then on, Megan’s caregiver continued turning to books as a way to help her build the language and confidence to understand and express emotions.

Moments like these remind us that stories don’t just teach children how to read, they help them learn how to navigate the world around them.

When you attend Brew for Books, you’re helping equip children like Megan, and the caregivers who support them, with the tools they need to build strong social and emotional skills while helping Kansas City families thrive.

🎟️ Tickets available now: https://bit.ly/3OfveVT

Help us celebrate the professionals shaping KC’s future. ✨Behind every confident learner is a teacher who believed in th...
03/03/2026

Help us celebrate the professionals shaping KC’s future. ✨

Behind every confident learner is a teacher who believed in them first.

Early education professionals play a powerful role in helping young children grow, explore, and build the foundation for lifelong success. This year, Futures First will recognize one outstanding educator whose commitment to children and families truly stands out.

We’ll also be highlighting nominated providers throughout the year, because excellence in early education deserves ongoing recognition.

Know someone who inspires young minds every day?

Nominate a Teacher: https://bit.ly/47e1rTN

View Past Award Winners: https://bit.ly/4rKYClp

We’re proud to celebrate our very own, Jenna Bodensteiner, who will be honored with the Emerging Chicana Powerhouse Awar...
02/27/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our very own, Jenna Bodensteiner, who will be honored with the Emerging Chicana Powerhouse Award from the .

This award recognizes women whose passion and dedication are creating meaningful change in Chicano communities.

Through her work educating on the important role music and dance have on building trust and resilience throughout Kansas City, Jenna embodies the type of service, leadership, and compassion that strengthens our community every day.

Her commitment to uplifting education, advocating for joy, and building stronger connections reflects the powerful impact one person can have.

We here at Futures First are honored to see Jenna recognized for the difference she continues to make day in and day out.

Please join us in congratulating Jenna on her well-deserved recognition!

Congrats, Jenna! 🎉

Today, our team joined partners, and parents in Topeka to advocate for child care.Together, we met with lawmakers, share...
02/26/2026

Today, our team joined partners, and parents in Topeka to advocate for child care.

Together, we met with lawmakers, shared everyday stories, and reminded leaders that child care is essential — for children, for working parents, and for us all.

🍺 Good brews. Great books. Even better impact!Brew for Books is officially back for 2026 — bringing together pizza, beer...
02/24/2026

🍺 Good brews. Great books. Even better impact!

Brew for Books is officially back for 2026 — bringing together pizza, beer, live music, yard games, and a community that believes every child deserves a strong start in literacy.

Come raise a glass and help young stories take root for KC kids at Boulevard Brewing Company this April!

🎟️ Tickets available now: https://bit.ly/3OfveVT

Early care, lasting impact 🌷Today, we hosting a professional development conference for some of our closest early educat...
02/16/2026

Early care, lasting impact 🌷

Today, we hosting a professional development conference for some of our closest early education partners. Through workshops, collaboration, and shared ideas, we spent the day cultivating connection, growth, and inspiration — because when caregivers are supported, children thrive.

Thank you to all the educators who joined us today: Delightful Learning Center, Early Learners Academy, El Centro Inc., Exploring Minds Academy - Kansas, KidZone Learning Center of Wyandotte County, Little Leaders of KCK, Little Tots Montessori, Project Eagle, The ROCK at STONY POINT Learning Center, Ms. Aunie's Daycare, Guarderia Angel Guardian, Little Scholars Prep, Happy Faces Childcare Home, Noni's Playhouse, Playtime Creations Daycare, and Precious Ones Daycare.

We’re thrilled to welcome Debbie Siragusa as our Vice President of Finance and Laura Bellis as our Finance Controller!De...
02/11/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Debbie Siragusa as our Vice President of Finance and Laura Bellis as our Finance Controller!

Debbie brings 19 years of leadership experience in financial and administrative management, and Laura brings 15+ years in accounting and operational strategy. Together, they’ll help strengthen our financial strategy, stewardship, and sustainability — powering the mission to nurture young lives in Kansas City.

Drop a đź‘‹ in the comments to help us give them a warm welcome!

What early educators are telling us is clear — and concerning.✔️ Empty classrooms they can’t afford to keep open✔️ Famil...
02/11/2026

What early educators are telling us is clear — and concerning.

✔️ Empty classrooms they can’t afford to keep open
✔️ Families they have to turn away
✔️ Burnout, uncertainty, and tough decisions about staying open

Check out our report on the state of child care in the Kansas City Region: https://thefamilyconservancy.org/state-of-child-care-2025/

When we invest in early educators and the people who support them, we invest in children’s futures. Our Senior Director ...
02/04/2026

When we invest in early educators and the people who support them, we invest in children’s futures. Our Senior Director of Early Education & Care, Jenny Brandt, kicked off our Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches & Trainers this morning, surrounded by a room of amazing people who continue to show up for early educators and the children they serve.

📢 No child care = No workforce. When child care fails, we all suffer. It’s that simple.Today, advocates across the count...
01/20/2026

📢 No child care = No workforce. When child care fails, we all suffer. It’s that simple.

Today, advocates across the country are coming together in a nationwide movement to protect child care and Head Start.

Add your voice. Join the movement. đź”— Link in bio.

01/19/2026

Children in child care are in the most critical years of their development. Families across Kansas City rely on child care and Head Start to give their children the best start while parents are at work.

Congress has already approved funding for these programs, but recent delays put children, families, and providers at risk.

Tomorrow is the National Day of Action! Add your voice and tell lawmakers that our children, families, and early education and care providers can’t wait.

đź”— Take action: https://thefamilyconservancy.org/day-of-action-2026/

Address

444 Minnesota Avenue, Ste 200
Kansas City, KS
66101

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19133421110

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