Early Childhood

Local Leads

Local Lead Organizations Recompete Information 
 
Local Lead Responsibilities Overview
Local Leads play a critical role in advancing early childhood initiatives across Arkansas. They serve as the primary contact for their area, working closely with the Office of Early Childhood, providers, stakeholders, and families to ensure alignment with state and federal guidelines. Their responsibilities span data collection, funding coordination, strategic planning, and CLASS implementation.

Scope of Work:
 
Lead Work in Local Area: Coordinate local efforts and ensure compliance with guidelines.
Administer Child Count: Collect and verify data to inform planning and funding.
Coordinate Funding Requests: Align funding applications with local needs and maintain audit-ready documentation.
Maintain Local Plan and Needs Assessments: Develop strategic plans and conduct regular assessments.
Assist with CLASS Implementation: Support training, scheduling, and data-driven improvements.
 
Please complete the Intent to Apply form to confirm your interest and provide preliminary details about your proposed service area, focus areas, and partnerships.
 
📅 Applications Open October 15
Stay tuned for more details and application materials. For questions, contact Jennifer Douglas at Jennifer.Douglas@ade.arkansas.gov or 501-658-4336.  

In the spring of 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Arkansas LEARNS Act into law. As a comprehensive and transformative education reform initiative, LEARNS prioritizes several key components of education, including early learning.
One of the Act’s major requirements is the establishment of local early childhood lead organizations to improve the experience of families and providers. These organizations are tasked with:
  • Identifying gaps in services;
  • Fostering local partnerships;
  • Creating alignment among public and private providers and agencies within the community; and
In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, the Office of Early Childhood has selected organizations to serve all 75 counties across the state. These local leads are responsible for developing localized, comprehensive plans to ensure that 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!

 

Local Leads Contacts

Local Leads Directory

  • All relevant information for Local Leads Cohorts 1, 2, and 3.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Douglas, Early Childhood Program Administrator
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Early Childhood
4 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-658-4336
Email: Jennifer.Douglas@ade.arkansas.gov