Searching for a childcare facility can be stressful for many new parents. You want to make sure your child will be nurtured and loved, safe and protected, and educated. Don’t worry: You can find childcare that meets and exceeds all of your requirements. And the annual Brilliant Beginnings section can aid in your search!

Learn about local childcare centers that offer more than childcare—they also focus on early childhood education, so your little one is given the chance to play, explore and learn every day.

Click on the links below to read each Brilliant Beginnings profile from the digital edition of Little Rock Family. Then read on for more from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

The early years of a child’s life matter most for growing and learning. That is when young minds are developing quickly. More than 80 percent of brain development happens before children even enter kindergarten! Pre-K also plays a role in social and emotional development, which helps kids learn things like sharing and impulse control.

The best thing you can do to set your young children up for success is place them in a high-quality pre-K program. There are privately owned centers and Head Start programs, and some school districts have pre-K classes. Visiting programs, such as Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), are also available. For parents who have trouble paying for pre-K, some programs help cover the cost; these programs are paid for by federal and state governments.

The pre-K center you choose should be licensed and should follow appropriate health and safety standards. The staff should be trained in early childhood development, and have a thorough day-by-day plan for your child’s activities and curriculum. This curriculum should consistently include age-appropriate toys, activities, and books. Without proper engagement, it is difficult to be sure where your child is advancing and falling behind.

The student-to-teacher ratio should stay small to ensure your child is getting enough positive attention for intellectual growth. Pre-K programs should also be actively engaged with parents, because continuous parent-staff communication is necessary for a beneficial foundation at home and in school.

When determining which program is best for your child’s needs, pay close attention to safety, staff, equipment, and engagement. You want to choose a high-quality center so your child gets the best start. Arkansas rates the quality of pre-K and other early childhood programs through Arkansas Better Beginnings. The ratings are on a three-star scale. On this scale, a one-star rating means that a center meets basic quality standards. A three-star rating means that a center reaches a higher level of quality standards. The higher the rating, the better the pre-K center will be for your child. Three-star centers go beyond the minimum licensing requirements to offer students an early education experience that will best set them up for success in school and later in life.

For more information on quality pre-K and what young children need to thrive, read several full-length publications produced by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Parents’ Guide to Pre-K Advocacy and What Do #ARKIDSNEED From Birth to 8?

Pre-K Programs in Arkansas

Head Start

Head Start is the pre-K program funded by the federal government. Kids whose families can’t afford to pay for pre-K, homeless children, and kids in the foster care system can go to Head Start at no charge. To find the closest Head Start center to you, go to the Arkansas Head Start website or call (501) 371-0740.

Arkansas Better Chance

Arkansas Better Chance is the pre-K program financed by the state of Arkansas. It also gives free pre-K to kids whose families can’t afford to pay for it. The seats in both Head Start and ABC fill up fast. so it is important that you contact a center that has ABC seats early. Find out more from the ABC website or call (501) 682-9699.

HIPPY

HIPPY stands for the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program. It is a 30-week school-readiness program for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, based in the home. Program staff members visit the child’s home every week to partner with parents. For more information about HIPPY, call the state office at (501) 364-3671, or visit their website.

Choosing Child Care

To see a list of the high-quality centers around the state, visit the "Parents and Family" section of the Better Beginnings website or call (501) 682-9699.

About Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is a statewide, nonprofit child advocacy organization established in 1977. Our mission is to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential.
Brilliant Beginnings is a Little Rock Family special advertising section highlighting early childhood education programs.