At Excel by Eight, we partner with families and communities to improve health and education outcomes for Arkansas children prenatal to age 8.
Explore stories, initiatives, and projects shaping early childhood development in Arkansas.
Resource Grid
Our resource grid illustrates our approach to improving health and education outcomes for children from prenatal to age 8.
Creating a reliable grid where all families and communities are plugged in ensures children have what they need to thrive.
When communities are fully plugged into this grid of resources, children’s development outcomes improve.
E8 Communities
Each E8 Community is led by a local steering committee made up of families, educators, health care professionals, policymakers, and other community leaders. They assess resources, identify gaps in their community’s grid, and develop and implement strategies to improve outcomes for children in their early years.
Building and supporting local models for change allows us to highlight community successes and address state-level policy barriers.
6 communities
12,053 infants and toddlers receiving developmental screenings
15,085 children receiving school readiness assistance in Level 3 or higher child care programs
8,320funded home visiting slots
Policy
Entire communities benefit when we invest in our youngest children. Early investment builds a strong foundation for future learning, behavior, and health. This starts at home but is also supported by effective programs and policies.
Expectant mothers need access to regular prenatal care; appropriate medical interventions; and support during labor, delivery, and postpartum.
Once born, infants should receive ongoing well-child visits, developmental screenings, and any needed therapy services and social supports identified by those screens.
Families should have access to a system of support as well as high-quality child care and early learning experiences.
85% of Arkansas parents lack access to quality child care for their infants and toddlers.
Access to affordable, high-quality child care is more than a necessity for working families – it’s an economic imperative. That’s why more than 80 organizations have joined the E8 Business Coalition to find child care solutions.
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