Exceptional Emerging Leader, Kasey Kile

Kasey Kile, Kansas AEYC Board President

Kansas AEYC, President, Kasey Kile has been named a 2015 Exceptional Emerging Leader by Exchange Press Inc.

A graduate of Kansas State University, Miss Kile holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education.  Kile is the Training and Curriculum Specialist for Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities, Instructor in Early Childhood Education at Kansas State University, and a National Trainer for Kodo Kids.  Further, she is the current President of the local affiliate Heartland Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as the state affiliate Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children.

With her passion of being a life-long learner, it is Kasey's mission to engage, foster, and inspire others to expand upon their knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices within early childhood education.  Further, as an advocate of quality care and education of young children, Miss Kile believes it is her duty to not only provide education to those who care for children on a daily basis, but also those who are in a position to make policy changes.

In November, 2014, Exchange Press launched its Exchange Leadership Initiative starting with a search for emerging leadership in the field of early care and education.  Applicants were reviewed by a panel of current, highly-respected and experienced leaders.  Over 200 nominations were reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Leadership.  Professionals who are well-grounded in their won work and who are using their strengths and advocacy skills to make a difference for children, families, and their communities.
• Emerging.  Professionals under the age of 45 who are demonstrating leadership potential.
• Roles.  Emerging leaders include classroom teachers, as well as program managers, organizational leaders, teacher trainers, and anyone connected to the issues around young children, families, care and education.
• Knowledge Base.  Professionals who understand strong early care and education principles and practices, including addressing diversity and equity, and who are engaged in life-long learning.
• Spirit.  Professionals demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively and with personal initiative.

Kile's colleagues are quick to voice their praise:

"She is a dedicated and a strong leader within the Kansas early childhood community.  In addition to having excellent organizational and business skills, Kasey has expertise in strategic planning, group dynamics, and an understanding of early childhood systems and the related professional and political realities."  Mary Murphy, Kansas Department of Health and Environment

"Kasey is an impressive individual, not only in providing leadership for early educators through multiple venues but also engaging community leaders to act on behalf of children and families.  She is in change-agent positions where she will positively affect policy for children and educators."  Bronwyn Fees, Associate Professor, Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University

Kasey is honored to receive this prestigious award and will be published in the May/June issue of Child Care Exchange Magazine.

For more information, please visit Child Care Exchange.