The Reno County Child Care Task Force is proud to announce Heather Faulkner as the founding Executive Director of the Kids Collective Child Care Network, a newly-formed nonprofit focused on creating sustainable, high-quality solutions for Reno County’s child care system.
Faulkner, a Hutchinson native with over 25 years of experience in child care administration and leadership, has long been a dedicated advocate for families and providers in the community. Drawing on her background in accounting, she played a key role in strengthening and expanding operations at Abundant Life Community Child Care & Preschool at The Father’s House, bringing a well-rounded perspective that blends business insight with hands-on experience in early childhood care. In that role, she led all aspects of daily operations, including licensing, compliance, budgeting, staffing, and long-term sustainability, and she understands firsthand the operational realities and potential of the child care sector. Faulkner and her husband, Sean, are raising four boys in Hutchinson.
“Heather brings unmatched passion and experience to this role,” said Kari Mailloux, Kids Collective Board President. “She’s been in the trenches, understands the challenges providers face, and is the ideal leader to guide Kids Collective through its start-up phase and beyond.”
With the generous support of The Father’s House, Faulkner has contributed significant leadership and expertise to the child care, nonprofit, and faith sectors in Reno County over the last decade, including the support of other center start-ups, coordination of and communication among providers through the COVID-19 pandemic, and as an advocate for data-driven solutions and both family and workforce-friendly policies. She has been a member of the Reno County Child Care Task Force since its inception.
Kids Collective was born from the innovative efforts of the Reno County Child Care Task Force and made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding provided by the City of Hutchinson and Reno County. Following in-depth research into the child care system at the local, state, and federal levels, the Task Force identified widespread challenges—particularly low wages and lack of benefits—that make it difficult to attract and retain a stable workforce. In response, Kids Collective was created as a long-term, sustainable solution to close those gaps and strengthen the overall child care infrastructure in Reno County.
“I'm honored to lead Kids Collective and continue building on the incredible work of the Reno County Child Care Task Force,” said Faulkner. “Our mission is to reduce the burden on providers, attract and retain a strong childcare workforce, and make quality care more accessible for families across our community. I am energized by the opportunity to lead an organization built on the belief that childcare is a collective responsibility—and an essential part of a thriving community.”
With Faulkner’s leadership and a county-wide commitment to forward-thinking solutions, Kids Collective is poised to create meaningful change for providers, families, and the broader Reno County economy.
To learn more, contact [email protected].