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Childcare Services

Services for Child Care Facilities
and Families seeking Early Care


	Arkansas Better Chance 501-682-9699 or 1-800-445-3316
	Arkansas Better Chance for School Success was created by Act 49 in 2003. ABCSS is our state-funded pre-k program serving 3 and 4 year old children from families with earned income that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
	Child Care Licensing 501-682-8590 or 1-800-445-3316
	The licensing staff monitors all licensed centers and homes to ensure health and safety standards. The majority of the facilities receive three unannounced visits on an annual basis (Some facilities such as those meeting quality standards and others meeting higher level of compliance may be monitored less frequently). Each employee must have a Criminal Record Check and records are maintained at the division.
	Financial Assistance for Early Care and Education 501-682-8947 or 1-800-322-8176
	Families may receive assistance for paying for care through this office. There is a sliding fee schedule based on the income and size of the family. Applications are available at the local DHS offices.
	Program Support and Development 501-682-9699 or 1-800-445-3316
	Services are available for providers including provider training, scholarships, technical assistance and enhancement grants. School readiness initiatives and literacy training for early education providers has been developed to ensure that all children are ready for school success. Parents can access regional information about type and quality of child care at the numbers below: Arkansas Child Care Resource and Referral Center 501-682-9699 or 1-800-445-3316 Northwest Arkansas Child Care Resource and Referral Center, Inc. 479-751-3463 or 1-800-KIDS-LOG Children of Northcentral Arkansas Resource and Referral Center 870-793-5233 or 1-800-737-2237 ACQUIRE - ASU/Childhood Services 870-972-3055 or 1-888-429-1585 Jefferson Comprehensive Child Care Links 870-536-0520 Child Care Connections, Inc 501-374-0330
	Special Nutrition Program 501- 682-8869 or 1-800-482-5850
	These USDA programs reimburse Child Day Care Centers, Adult Day Care Centers, Child Care Family Home Providers, Private Schools, and Residential Child Care Institutions for nutritious food served at approved sites to children, including breakfast, lunch and snacks. There is also a Summer Feeding program that provides meals for children during the summer months.