Early Childhood

Local Leads

In the spring of 2023, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Arkansas LEARNS Act into law. A comprehensive, transformative education reform law, LEARNS prioritized several components of education, including early learning. One of the requirements within the LEARNS Act is to improve the experience of families and providers by establishing local early childhood lead organizations. These organizations are tasked with the following: 

  • Supporting access to early childhood programs;
  • Identifying gaps in services;
  • Fostering local partnerships;
  • Creating alignment among public and private providers and agencies within the community; and
  • Establishing a comprehensive, locally supported plan for providing early childhood programs and services. 

The third cohort of local early childhood leads has been selected! In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, the Office of Early Childhood has chosen six organizations to represent the final 10 counties across the state. Together with the first two cohorts, local leads now provide complete coverage for Arkansas. These organizations will be responsible for creating localized, comprehensive plans to ensure children and families have access to high-quality early childhood education in their communities. Check below to find out which organization is serving your county!

Resources for local leads:



For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Douglas, Assistant Director - Local Leads 
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Early Childhood
700 Main Street, Slot 140
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone: 501-712-6398
Email: Jennifer.Douglas@ade.arkansas.gov