It’s hard finding childcare! There are often many options in an area and claims that everyone is the best, but really, how are you supposed to know? For Arkansans, the State of Arkansas operates Arkansas Better Beginnings, a tiered quality rating and improvement system (TQRIS). This system is designed to assess, improve, and communicate the quality of early care and education programs, including center-based care, family childcare, and out-of-school time programs. Programs are additionally re-assessed to maintain their rating.
- Purpose: The program aims to ensure all children in Arkansas have access to high-quality childcare and early childhood education, preparing them for kindergarten with positive experiences.
- Structure: Better Beginnings uses a “building block” approach, meaning programs must meet all requirements at one level before moving to the next.
- Rating System: It utilizes a star rating system (1 through 6 stars) to help parents and families evaluate the quality of childcare facilities.
- Resources for Providers: The program provides tools, guidance, and training to help providers meet the requirements and improve the quality of their programs.
- Focus Areas: Better Beginnings focuses on improving staff training, curriculum, parent involvement, and creating a positive learning environment.
- Administration: The program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood.
- Website: You can find more information and resources on the AR Better Beginnings website.
- Benefits: Better Beginnings helps parents find quality childcare, supports providers in improving their programs, and ultimately contributes to a brighter future for Arkansas children.
All of FACT, Inc. programs are quality-approved
through the State of Arkansas.
