Update on Naming Process for the New Early Learning Center

Kansas City Public Schools has completed the public submission phase for renaming the district’s early childhood program, which will move to the new King Empowerment Campus in Winter 2027. Community members submitted a wide range of thoughtful name ideas that reflected local history, educational values, and the vision for the new early learning facility.

 

Following the close of the 30 day submission window on February 16, 2026, the superintendent appointed naming committee, made up of parents, staff, community members, and district leaders, met  on February 17^th to review all submitted names.

The committee evaluated each name based on Board Policy FF and selected the top three recommendations to move forward in the process.

 

Top Three Recommended Names

• Bernard Powell Early Learning Center
• Coretta Scott King Early Learning Center
• Josephine Silone Yates Early Learning Center

 

These names were chosen from among all submissions received, which included:

Mary Harmon Weeks Early Learning Center; Bernard Powell Early Learning Center; C. Diane McConnell Early Learning Center; Eager Learners Early Learning Center; Little Legacies Early Learning Center; KCPS Toddlers Early Learning Center; Creative Early Learning Center; Dwayne A. Crompton Early Learning Center; Marva Collins Early Learning Center; Dr. Evelyn Moore Early Learning Center; Haydee B. Campbell Early Learning Center; Josephine Silone Yates Early Learning Center; King Early Learning Center; King Legacy Early Learning Center; King Scholars Early Learning Center; Coretta Scott King Early Learning Center; Buck O’Neill Early Learning Center; Myrtle L. Johnson Early Learning Center.

 

Next Steps

The KCPS Board of Directors will review the committee’s top three recommendations at an upcoming Board meeting. The final name selection will be announced following the Board’s vote. Updates will be posted on the KCPS website as they become available.