The Arkansas Department of Education, in collaboration with stakeholders, has established an approved early childhood curriculum list aligned with the Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards (ACDELS).

During the 2026–2027 school year, programs may continue using their current curriculum while reviewing and exploring options from the Initial Approved Curriculum List. Educators and program leaders should use this transition year to review all approved curricula and thoughtfully determine which option best meets the needs of their children and families and aligns with program goals.

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, all publicly funded early childhood classrooms will be required to select and fully implement one comprehensive curriculum from the Approved Curriculum List.

High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Initiative

●     Approved Comprehensive Curricula

●     High-Quality Instructional Materials Initiative - Frequently Asked Questions

●     High-Quality Instructional Materials Scoring Rubric

The Spring 2026 submission period is now closed. This annual submission process allows providers to request that curricula be evaluated against the state’s High‑Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Rubic.

The HQIM Team will begin reviewing materials and any curriculum that meets the rubric criteria will be added to the Approved Curriculum List upon approval.

Additionally, in preparation for the 2027–2028 school year—when programs will be required to use curricula from the Approved Curriculum List—the state is actively working to identify and review free or low‑cost HQIM options that fully meet rubric requirements and support strong, meaningful teacher–child interactions.