Arkansas Early Childhood Association Central Arkansas Affiliate

03/11/2026

03/03/2026

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01/23/2026

Stay warm and cozy, Arkansas! ❄️

Even if you’re snowed in, you can still thaw out your professional goals with our free virtual sessions. Skip the icy roads and drift through our flexible options from the comfort of your favorite armchair.

We’re here to help you weather the storm—reach out if you have any questions! ☕️✨

https://conta.cc/4r5Wc07

01/09/2026

𝐀𝐄𝐂𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

AECA is aware of the recent federal announcement regarding a temporary freeze on child care funds to certain states due to compliance concerns. We are encouraged that Arkansas is not among the states affected by this freeze. On the statewide provider call on Tuesday of this week, Dr. Chris Barnes from the Office of Early Childhood said he felt like Arkansas was in an excellent position to comply with whatever additional accountability and documentation measures will be implemented by the federal government, and that OEC does not anticipate any problems continuing to draw down federal child care funds.

AECA will continue to monitor this situation closely and share updates as they become available. We remain committed to advocating for stability, continuity, and strong support for the early childhood community and our state ECE workforce.

Please visit the comments section for links with more information.

01/06/2026

🗣️ WE NEED YOUR VOICE 🗣️

As the Office of Early Childhood prepares to make decisions regarding professional development opportunities, your input is essential in guiding those decisions. If you have benefited from specific training and support in the past, we need your voice. Completing the survey below will help the OEC understand what supports are important to you and which agencies you trust with your professional development.

Please note that the survey closes on 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟕, 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟐𝐩𝐦.

Thank you for your insight and your commitment to early childhood!

With appreciation,
Julie Yarberry
AECA President

12/22/2025

We wish you well, Natasha! Thank you for your leadership!

12/02/2025

Here is more information on the service project this Saturday! Here is the link to register:

https://volunteer.shpbeds.org/opportunities/Oc6bc0OOSV?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1524171244184945346&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXr9BLz0nJ08vM10%2FVr8hLtixKzAs2Dk%2ByrytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsnVNSU8FAOnvshY3AAAA

12/01/2025

📣Event Announcement Reminder: 📣
Build a Bed for Children in Foster Care

The Central Arkansas Chapter of AECA is excited to host a special event on Saturday, December 6, from 9 AM to 12 PM in Paron, Arkansas. This Build a Bed event is in collaboration with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a wonderful organization dedicated to providing beds for children placed in foster homes throughout Arkansas.

What’s the Event About?
During this event, volunteers will come together to assemble bed kits that will be delivered to children who are in need of a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Participating in this event is not just about building beds; it’s about fostering a sense of community, support, and compassion for the children in foster care.

How You Can Help?
Whether you're handy with tools or just looking to lend a helping hand, there are many ways to get involved. Volunteers will work in groups to efficiently assemble the bed kits, and every contribution—big or small—makes a significant difference in ensuring that children have a place to sleep.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of local children. Mark your calendars for December 6, from 9 to 12 PM. Together, we can help provide the comfort of a bed to those who need it most!
For more information and to register for the event, please visit the link below. Let’s come together to create a brighter future for these children!

Instantly see availabilities and sign up today!

11/14/2025

📣Event Announcement: 📣
Build a Bed for Children in Foster Care

The Central Arkansas Chapter of AECA is excited to host a special event on Saturday, December 6, from 9 AM to 12 PM in Paron, Arkansas. This Build a Bed event is in collaboration with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a wonderful organization dedicated to providing beds for children placed in foster homes throughout Arkansas.

What’s the Event About?
During this event, volunteers will come together to assemble bed kits that will be delivered to children who are in need of a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Participating in this event is not just about building beds; it’s about fostering a sense of community, support, and compassion for the children in foster care.

How You Can Help?
Whether you're handy with tools or just looking to lend a helping hand, there are many ways to get involved. Volunteers will work in groups to efficiently assemble the bed kits, and every contribution—big or small—makes a significant difference in ensuring that children have a place to sleep.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of local children. Mark your calendars for December 6, from 9 to 12 PM. Together, we can help provide the comfort of a bed to those who need it most!
For more information and to register for the event, please visit the link below. Let’s come together to create a brighter future for these children!

Instantly see availabilities and sign up today!