Welcoming Union County
Located in south central Arkansas, Union County has long been hailed by residents and visitors alike for its high quality of life. Since the oil boom era, it has developed into a thriving community with diverse industries, outdoor amenities, cultural institutions, and...
FAQ: Excel by Eight Communities
Conway, Independence, Monroe, Pulaski, Sevier, and, now, Union. How did these Arkansas counties get involved with Excel by Eight (E8)? Designed to be local models for change, these E8 Communities are focused on improving children’s health and education outcomes by...
Celebrating School Breakfast Month: A Sevier County Q&A
When we’re hungry, it can be difficult to think of anything but our next snack or meal. Without a refuel, our moods, behaviors, and well-being soon begin to suffer. For far too many Arkansas children, this feeling of persistent hunger is their everyday reality....
Healthier smiles, healthier children
The following post was originally written by Chrissy Chatham as an op-ed for Talk Business & Politics and published February 13, 2021. The original article can be found here. if we’re sick or in pain, it can be difficult to focus on or complete work-related...
Realizing the EDI’s Full Impact
Building a strong foundation for children’s success starts with taking a look at where they are now. Enter the Early Development Instrument (EDI), which offers a comprehensive view of how children are developing in neighborhoods and census tracts across...
T.E.A.C.H.ing Our Future
Arkansas’s economy depends on quality early care and education. These programs not only allow parents to return to and stay engaged at work, they also provide stimulating, responsive learning environments for children during critical periods of early development....
OP-ED: Invest in Early Childhood, Build a Strong Workforce
The following post was originally written by Rick Neal as an op-ed for Arkansas Money & Politics and published January 11, 2021. The original article can be found here. Starting at birth, children are constantly learning. Each interaction, no matter how seemingly...
Uncovering the Impact of the Early Development Instrument
When building a house it is best to start with a strong foundation. This applies to early brain development as well. The brain develops faster in a child’s first three years than any other time in life, laying the bricks and mortar of future learning and success. A...
An E8 Community Convo: Michelle Puckett in Independence County
As Michelle Puckett, Batesville Preschool director, has witnessed firsthand, early care and education set the stage for children’s long-term cognitive development, school achievement, and overall success. Today, she combines this real-world knowledge and decade of...
On the Ground with E8: Kaila Parker in Conway County
It’s often said the most meaningful change starts locally. At Excel by Eight (E8), we know that to be true. That’s why we are partnering with communities across the state to help all Arkansas children thrive. In Conway County, an E8 Community, parents, educators,...