Early Childhood

School Readiness Assistance Program

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the School Readiness Assistance Program.

Overview

School Readiness Assistance is a program available for low-income families. It provides financial assistance for quality childcare, which is made possible by the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Arkansas's Office of Early Childhood manages the School Readiness Assistance Program.

Quick Links

Am I eligible for school readiness assistance?

Families must meet the following criteria:

  1. Meet the established income guidelines.
  2. Each adult residing in the household must be employed at least 20 hours per week or be enrolled and attending high school, college, GED classes, vocational school, or a training program as a full-time student. A combination of school and work is acceptable if the individual is involved at a minimum of 20 hours.
  3. Have an eligible child. Our program serves children from birth through 12 years of age.

What are the income guidelines?

Open the CCDF Sliding Fee Chart document below, find the size of your family, and then locate the column in which your family's Gross Monthly Income falls. (All income from all family members must be included in the monthly total. This includes earned income, SSA, SSI, VA, etc.) If your monthly income falls into one of the columns listed on the chart, your family may qualify for school readiness assistance. Families may be required to pay a percentage of the cost of childcare.

How do I apply for school readiness assistance?

You may print and complete the School Readiness Assistance Application below, request an application by contacting the local Program Eligibility Specialist, or contact the Office of Early Childhood at 1-800-322-8176, and an application will be mailed to you.

After an application is completed, it may be emailed to oec.familysupport@ade.arkansas.gov, returned to your local DHS office, or mailed to the address below.

Physical:
2 Capitol Mall
P.O. Box 1437
Little Rock, AR 72203

Mailing:
Office Early Childhood
4 Capitol Mall - Box 36
Little Rock, AR 72201

What is the application process?

The School Readiness Assistance Program is based on the availability of funds. If funds are available at the time your application is received, you will be contacted by the local Program Eligibility Specialist. They will verify your eligibility for childcare assistance.

If funds are not available at the time your application was received, the local Program Eligibility Specialist will send you a notification stating that you have been placed on a waiting list for the county of your residence. Your application will only be effective for twelve (12) months, as stated on your application. If you still require assistance at the end of the twelve (12) months, then you must submit a new application to remain on the waiting list.

How is childcare provided for my children?

Once a family is determined eligible for the School Readiness Assistance Program, they must select a childcare provider that is licensed or registered by the Office of Early Childhood. The provider must be an active participant in the School Readiness Assistance Program.

Families may contact the Program Eligibility Specialist to request a list of childcare providers that participate in the School Readiness Assistance Program or call 1-800-322-8176. Families may also use the Search for Childcare located here.