LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Education’s Office of Early Childhood is launching a new program to help families access federal childcare assistance.
The School Readiness Assistance system is replacing what officials call outdated technology that had been in place for the past 17 years. Officials said the new program is more user-friendly and aligns with the Arkansas LEARNS mandate to modernize and strengthen early childhood education.
Demand for Education Freedom Accounts spikes as more Arkansas families become eligible for funds
The new system includes a web-based portal for all users, families as well as providers and staff. Families will be able to use it to create profiles and submit applications.
“The new School Readiness Assistance system is a crucial step forward to ensuring families in Arkansas have streamlined access to the early child care supports they need,” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “We are dedicated to ensuring high-quality early learning programs are available, and we are thrilled that this easier-to-use system assists parents with accessing those services.”