New Childcare Option for State of Kansas Employees in Shawnee County
State of Kansas employees are now able to submit applications for the new Ad Astra Academy
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MEMORANDUM
TO: All State Agencies
FROM: Adam C. Proffitt, Secretary of Administration
DATE: November 3, 2026
SUBJECT: New Childcare Option for State of Kansas Employees in Shawnee County
Supporting employees means supporting the people who matter most to them. That's the idea behind Ad Astra Academy, a new childcare center exclusively dedicated to caring for the children of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and State of Kansas employees who live or work in Shawnee County.
Ad Astra Academy is set to open in November 2026 and is very close to being ready to accept applications for enrollment from State of Kansas employees from all state agencies across all three branches of government.
Located in the former Polk Elementary School on the BCBSKS Topeka campus, just two blocks south of the Capitol complex, Ad Astra Academy was created to provide employees with access to high-quality childcare in a convenient location. The building went through a $6.5 million renovation, transforming the space into a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a safe, engaging environment where children can learn, grow and thrive.
“Providing state employees with access to safe and reliable childcare has been a goal of this administration for many years now,” Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt said. “Thanks to the vision of Governor Kelly, and the partnership between the State of Kansas and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, we can now proudly offer a new childcare option to State of Kansas families that live or work in Shawnee County.”
General Information
Ad Astra Academy is the result of a partnership between BCBSKS and the State of Kansas to create additional childcare opportunities for employees and their families. Bright Minds Academy LLC, an experienced childcare center operator, will manage all aspects of the Ad Astra Academy and oversee day-to-day operations, including enrollment.
Enrollment will be available for children from infancy through school age, with the specific age groups and weekly rates as follows:
|
Age Group |
Anticipated Weekly Rate* |
|
Infants (0-1 year) |
$295 |
|
Toddlers (1-2.5 years) |
$270 |
|
Junior Pre-K (2.5-4 years) |
$270 |
|
Pre-K (3.5 years-school age) |
$250 |
*Rates subject to change, based on facility needs
What Employees Need to Know
The purpose of this communication is to inform State of Kansas employees of this upcoming opportunity and provide them with time to consult with their families and determine if they wish to apply for enrollment.
State of Kansas employees will have the opportunity to apply for enrollment starting Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:00 am. Since demand is expected to exceed the number of available openings, availability will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
The link to apply for enrollment will be posted on the Department of Administration website and shared via email at that time. This opportunity is open to State of Kansas employees from all agencies, in all branches of government (Executive, Judicial and Legislative), who live or work in Shawnee County.
During the application process, State of Kansas employees will be working directly with Bright Minds Academy in accordance with all applicable policies and requirements. It is important to note that this is not a benefit offered through the State of Kansas benefits package, so employees will need to complete all processes and make all necessary arrangements with Bright Minds Academy, including arrangements for payment. Payroll deductions will not be an option for payment.
The opening of the Ad Astra Academy will be celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Additional details regarding that event will be provided in the coming weeks.
About Bright Minds Academy
Bright Minds Academy has been in operation since Jan. 8, 2020. Owners Nick and Andrea Felder started Bright Minds while raising their own family and have grown the childcare business together. They currently operate three childcare centers and one school-aged summer program in Hays, Kansas. Ad Astra Academy marks its next chapter.
Employees with questions about this opportunity may contact Bright Minds Academy at by phone at (785) 621-5070 or by email at info@brightmindstopeka.com.
