Since 2020, Excel by Eight has mobilized Arkansas businesses to identify workable solutions that address the three critical elements of the child care crisis – accessibility, affordability, and quality – and its impact on the state’s current and future workforce. Beginning in early 2024, the formalized business coalition meets quarterly to discuss policy goals ahead of the Arkansas State Legislature’s 2025 general session.
Quality child care is essential to a thriving Arkansas economy, and business has long been overlooked as a key component of solving the child care challenges in Arkansas. Working parents need safe, reliable, and affordable child care to build successful careers, remain contributing members of the workforce, and support their families.
Representatives from more than 90 businesses, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce across the state have joined forces to participate in this effort:
