Conway County
Excel by Eight in Conway County
Child Care Aware of Northcentral Arkansas actively supported Conway County’s facilities to take advantage of this opportunity to elevate and expand care in their community. Successes include five facilities increasing their Arkansas Better Beginnings quality rating from Level 1 to Level 2, which allows them to continue accepting vouchers from families in 2023 and receive a higher reimbursement rate. One facility moved from Better Beginnings Level 2 to Level 3, the highest quality rating available at that time.
Additionally, one provider was awarded funding to open a new center, which will bring 89 new child care slots, including infant and toddler care, to Morrilton and the surrounding area.
In 2023, the Conway County steering committee will focus on increasing parent access to early development resources as well as engaging families directly in local community planning efforts about young children.
Snapshot
Located in the Arkansas River Valley
Major industries are manufacturing and transportation
Home to Petit Jean State Park, the first Arkansas State Park
Steering Committee
E8 Core Team
John Gibson, Chair, Conway County Community Foundation
Amber Holland, Community Service, Inc.
Princess Johnson, Parent
Kara Jones, Conway County Center for Exceptional Children
Dr. Susan Okroglic, Community Service, Inc.
Committee Members
Robbie Belew, Curricula Concepts
Shandee Gordon, Wonderview School District
Shawn Halbrook, South Conway County School District
Lora Hendrix, South Conway County School District
Aida Kuettle, South Conway County School District
Stephanie Lipsmeyer, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce
Michelle Mallett, Conway County Juvenile Probation and Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile JusticeKaila Parker, Parent
Jenifer Riley, Community Service, Inc.
Jamie Stacks, Wonderview School District
Karey Tapley, South Conway County School District
Candace Williams, Rural Community Alliance
Logan Williams, Nemo Vista School District
Sharon Wilson, South Conway County School District
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