SECTION I — OVERVIEW

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Office of Early Childhood, announces the release of the Local Early Childhood Lead (Local Lead) Application for the 2026–2031 cycle. Local Leads serve as full implementation partners with ADE to strengthen local early childhood systems and ensure high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning environments for children birth to five.

Selected organizations will receive a five-year grant beginning July 1, 2026, with annual performance reviews based on required deliverables, the Phases of Responsibility rubric, and partner feedback.

Local Leads will:

• Submit an annual Child Count, Coordinated Funding Request, and Local Plans 
• Conduct regional information campaigns on early childhood options for families
• Coordinate implementation of the state’s Quality Support System implementation efforts. 
• Support designated catchment area on adult-child interactions and CLASS implementation,
• Collaborate with local community partners to implement a local plan
• Coordinate with local families and providers to access quality child care 

SECTION II — TIMELINE & IMPORTANT DATES

SECTION III — ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants include school districts, education service cooperatives, governmental entities, current/local lead organizations, higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organizations with demonstrated capacity to deliver the required services within the proposed geographic area.

A. How to Apply

Submit a completed application and supporting documents by March 2, 2026. 

Local Lead Application

Local Lead Budget Worksheet

B. Eligible Vendors 

Eligible vendors include qualified organizations and individuals, such as, but not limited to:

• Universities
• Education Service Cooperatives 
• Government agencies 
• Local early childhood lead organizations
• Nonprofit and for-profit organizations 
• Other national or local educational vendors or individuals with demonstrated experience delivering early childhood professional services

Vendors must demonstrate:

• Evidence of relevant experience
• Staff qualifications 
• Capacity to deliver high-quality services across the selected county or counties

Questions about the Local Lead applications process can be submitted to Jennifer Douglas at Jennifer.Douglas@ade.arkansas.gov.

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