Department of Human Services | Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education

Arkansas Better Chance Program

NOTICE

Senate Bill 252 which changes the pre-kindergarten age eligibility date has now passed both legislative houses and has been signed by the Governor. This bill is now Act 426 of 2009 and is in effect as of midnight on March 13, 2009. Therefore, effective immediately, all classroom and family home ABC programs must use the following age eligibility criteria to enroll children in ABC pre-K for 2009-2010:

"Children must turn four (4) on or before AUGUST 15, 2009 or must have attended a three-year old ABC, Head Start or Quality Approved Pre-K program for at least 100 days in 2008-2009 OR children must turn three (3) on or before AUGUST 1, 2009.    

Any child you have already enrolled who does not meet this criteria may remain in the program; however, parents must clearly understand their child may not be eligible to attend public kindergarten after completing the four-year old ABC program. If you would like to view a copy of Act 426, go to
http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Acts/Act426.pdf.

Applying for Early Head Start Funds

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