Early Childhood Education in the River Valley
High-quality early childhood education helps children build strong foundations for learning while supporting working families and local employers.
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has been selected by the Arkansas Department of Education to serve as the Local Lead for early childhood education in Sebastian and Scott counties. In this role, UAFS works with families, childcare providers, employers, and community partners to strengthen early learning opportunities for children from birth to age 5.
Through collaboration and regional outreach, UAFS helps expand awareness of early childhood programs, support quality improvement among providers, and connect families with early learning resources.
Why Early Childhood Education Matters
The early years of life are critical for brain development and learning. High-quality early childhood education helps children build language, social, and problem-solving skills that support long-term success in school.
Reliable childcare and early learning programs also support families, employers, and communities.
Children
Early learning experiences support healthy development and help children enter school ready to learn.
Families
Reliable childcare allows parents and caregivers to participate in the workforce and pursue education or training.
Employers
Access to childcare affects workforce participation, employee retention, and productivity.
Communities
Communities benefit when children begin school prepared to succeed and when families have access to dependable early learning opportunities.
Explore Early Learning Resources
UAFS works with community partners to connect families, employers, and early childhood professionals with resources supporting early learning in Sebastian and Scott counties.
For Families
Find information about childcare programs, early childhood education options, and resources available to Arkansas families.
For Employers
Learn how childcare affects workforce participation and explore strategies businesses can use to support working families.
For Early Childhood Professionals
Explore career pathways, training opportunities, and educational programs for individuals interested in working with young children.
Supporting Early Learning in Sebastian and Scott Counties
As the Local Lead organization for Sebastian and Scott counties, UAFS works with community partners to strengthen early childhood education and expand access to early learning opportunities.
This work includes:
- sharing information about early childhood education programs and childcare options
- connecting families with available early learning resources
- encouraging collaboration among early childhood providers
- assisting with local planning for early childhood education programs
- promoting efforts that strengthen program quality
- supporting development of the early childhood workforce
Together, these efforts help strengthen early learning opportunities for children and families across the region.
Strengthening the Early Childhood Workforce
Access to high-quality early childhood education depends on a strong workforce of trained educators and childcare professionals.
UAFS helps support the early childhood workforce through degree and certificate programs that prepare individuals to work with young children in early learning environments.
Programs include:
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate
- Early Childhood Education Certificate of Proficiency
These programs help prepare professionals who support early learning and child development throughout the region.
What is a Local Lead Organization?
Local Lead organizations help coordinate early childhood education efforts within their communities. These organizations work with the Arkansas Department of Education Office of Early Childhood and community partners to strengthen early learning systems and improve access to programs that support young children and their families.
Local Lead organizations support communities by:
- sharing information about early childhood education and childcare options
- helping families navigate early learning programs and resources
- supporting efforts that strengthen program quality among providers
- bringing together providers, employers, and community partners
- identifying gaps in childcare availability and workforce needs
By strengthening coordination among these partners, Local Lead organizations help expand access to high-quality early learning environments.
Arkansas LEARNS and Early Childhood Education
The Arkansas LEARNS Act strengthened the state’s approach to education from early childhood through postsecondary learning. As part of this effort, the Arkansas Department of Education expanded strategies to support early childhood education and improve coordination among programs that serve young children.
Local Lead organizations help communities work together to strengthen early learning systems, support childcare providers, and connect families with early childhood education opportunities.