Amanda Petersen

Amanda Petersen serves as the Director of Early Childhood at the Kansas State Department of Education since July 2018, focusing on advancing the Kindergarten Readiness goal set by the Kansas State Board of Education and managing a team responsible for various state preschool programs. Previously, Amanda held the role of Director of Government Relations at Kansas Action for Children, where legislative campaigns were executed to protect early childhood investments and promote beneficial policies for children's health and economic security. Amanda's earlier experience includes positions as Director of Research & Analysis, Policy Analyst, and Legislative Intern within the Kansas Legislature, where significant legislative proposals were drafted and partnerships formed for advocacy initiatives. Education includes a Master's degree in Public Administration and dual Bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Economics from The University of Kansas.