In the fall of 2025, with support from the Walton Family Foundation, Forward conducted a comprehensive landscape analysis of Arkansas’s early child care and education sector. The findings revealed significant challenges for both families and providers. It also highlighted opportunities for real impact—shared services, modernized tools and data, high-quality classroom supports, and partnerships to advance local strategies. Enter the Center for Early Learning Solutions (CELS) at Forward Arkansas. CELS will strengthen our state’s early learning system by identifying, implementing, and elevating best practices in close partnership with stakeholders across the sector. The goal: to enhance operational excellence and drive system innovation. Are you ready to LeARn with Us?
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Early Childhood Governance and Finance Project | Local Leads Only (APPLICATION)
- LeARner Collective: Tech-Enabled Solutions Pilot | Local Leads Only (APPLICATION)
- LeARner Collective: HQIM Pilot | Providers (INTEREST FORM)
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NOTE: This project will expand the availability of high-quality, research- and evidence-based, low- or no-cost instructional materials for young children. It will also offer participants strong professional learning and implementation supports. Programs with at least 25% enrollment of low-income children will be eligible to apply.
