WARREN, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has announced the addition of six new organizations to its third cohort of early childhood local leads, with the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative representing Ashley, Bradley, and Drew Counties. This initiative is part of ADE’s efforts to ensure that children across the state have access to high-quality early childhood education programs.
The inclusion of the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative means that families in these counties will benefit from localized plans aimed at improving access to early learning programs. This effort aligns with the state’s broader vision for early childhood education under the LEARNS Act, which seeks to enhance education opportunities from birth through post-secondary education.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders emphasized the importance of providing quality education from the start, stating that the Local Leads program helps ensure that “families in all 75 counties will have options in their area.” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva also highlighted the significance of the program in laying a firm educational foundation for young children.
Selected organizations, including the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, underwent a competitive application process and are expected to collaborate with local child care centers, public school Pre-K programs, and other early childhood education providers. This collaboration aims to improve access and quality of early learning programs through shared planning and engagement with the community.
To learn more about the Local Leads program and the organizations involved, visit ADE’s website at https://dese.link/local-leads.
