The Arkansas Research Center (ARC), based at the University of Central Arkansas, works with state agencies and communities to use research and data to inform priorities across Arkansas. With support from the Arkansas Department of Education Office of Early Childhood, ARC is expanding the Early Development Instrument (EDI) statewide. The EDI uses kindergarten teachers’ observations to provide a community-level picture of children’s development across five key areas, helping communities identify strengths, better understand where additional support may be needed, and make informed decisions to support young children and families. EDI results are associated with later educational outcomes, including reading and numeracy skills, as well as broader measures of child well-being, such as health and social development.
Learn more about the EDI and view ARC’s full report here.