Check this out! ​Bentonville Public Schools is doing its part to improve maternal health outcomes. The district has launched Arkansas's first high school doula certification program, training students to support mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. 5newsonline.com/article/news/l…

Every mother deserves quality care, no matter where she lives. The Pregnancy+ App is breaking down barriers to ensure more women get the resources they need for a healthier pregnancy and safer delivery. katv.com/community/litt…

At Excel by Eight, we know that maternal health is a cornerstone of early childhood success. Every parent deserves the resources and care needed for a healthy pregnancy and birth. #NWHW #NationalWomensHealthWeek oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/materna…

Struggling readers don’t have to fall behind this summer! AR Kids Read is offering free, small-group tutoring at local libraries across Arkansas, designed specifically for rising 1st through 5th graders who need extra help with reading. arkidsread.org/summer-program/

Arkansas’s pre-K system meets key quality benchmarks, but funding has dropped to its lowest level in nearly two decades. More investment is needed to sustain and grow the system our kids deserve. arkansasadvocate.com/2025/04/29/rep…

New research from the St. Louis Fed reveals just how critical access to quality child care is for Arkansas families and our economy. Employers, communities, and policymakers must work together to build a stronger, more supportive care system. stlouisfed.org/-/media/projec…

Have you listened to The Yarn on Little Rock Public Radio? This powerful podcast is currently exploring maternal health in Arkansas, featuring the voices of doulas, mothers, and health advocates. ualrpublicradio.org/show/the-yarn

Child care is more than a family issue—it’s a workforce issue, an equity issue, and an economic imperative. Read the St. Louis Fed Arkansas Child Care Fact Sheet here: stlouisfed.org/-/media/projec…

In Arkansas, 95% of maternal deaths are preventable, and Black mothers still die at twice the rate of white mothers. Doulas aren’t a luxury—they are life-saving professionals who deserve recognition, reimbursement, and support. arkansasonline.com/news/2025/mar/…

Pre-K educators help lay the foundation for a child’s future—but in Arkansas, they’re often paid less than their public school peers and lack essential workforce support. arkansasadvocate.com/2025/04/29/rep…

Thanks to new legislation, early childhood educators across the state now have access to Arkansas Teacher Retirement System benefits—a significant step toward valuing and retaining the professionals who help our children learn and thrive. katv.com/community/litt…

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who help build a strong foundation for our children’s futures. From bedtime stories to life lessons, dads play a powerful role in ensuring kids are healthy, supported, and ready to succeed.

Did you know that all children under the age of five in Arkansas can sign up to be part of Imagination Library for free? After signing up, each child will be mailed one book every month until their fifth birthday! Enroll today at imaginationlibrary.com/check-availabi….

The Annie E. Casey Foundation 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book reveals that Ark. ranks 45th nationally in child well-being, with significant challenges in health, economic stability, and family support. Read more in TalkBusinessArkansas: talkbusiness.net/2025/06/arkans…

Exciting news out of Siloam Springs! We can’t wait to see how Bright Beginnings Family Childcare benefits from this cohort! edition.arkansasonline.com/article/281835…

The future of our youngest generation is being shaped today, and it’s up to all of us to stand up, speak out, and protect it. Because when we invest in babies, we invest in a brighter tomorrow for everyone. ncit.org

Interested in learning more about the work our E8 Business Coalition is doing to invest in family-friendly workplaces? Check out our new Arkansas Employer Toolkit! arkansasemployertoolkit.com

Arkansas has lost several labor and delivery units since 2020. In many rural areas, expectant moms must drive an hour or more for care. It’s time to close the gaps in maternal health access. Read more at Little Rock Soirée: littlerocksoiree.com/a-checkup-for-…

Access to high-quality early education ensures that children arrive at kindergarten prepared and that parents can work confidently. Let’s invest in Arkansas’s future—starting with our youngest learners. arkansasadvocate.com/2025/04/29/rep…

Stay Connected! Our July newsletter is out! Catch up on the latest updates in early childhood policy, family success stories, and upcoming events. conta.cc/466m9p8