OUR Local Lead Organization

06/23/2026

Experiencing poverty during childhood can disrupt all aspects of a child’s life, from their physical and mental health development to their performance in school. To learn more about how economic instability is affecting Arkansas’s children, download the newly released 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book from our partners at Annie E. Casey Foundation See the link in the comments to explore the economic well-being of children in your state.

06/19/2026

The next generation of Arkansas's Quality Rating and Improvement System is being designed now, and your feedback can help shape it.

Take the survey and share:
✔ What's working well
✔ What challenges you face
✔ What supports would make the biggest difference

Provider Feedback Survey: Arkansas QRIS 2026–2027
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXAkwoRqLt78P9OqGmNScl5C35zyu9tizofaz-msOpmNcb2w/viewform

06/18/2026

Stories, smiles, and eats in the park tonight @ 6:30!
Anne Cowie, OUR Local Lead, will be reading and bringing
Arkansas PBS resources to share with young learners and families.

Join us tomorrow for reading in the park! 6:30 PM. Arkansas PBS will be there too.

Reader: Anne Cowie.
Book: The Sour Grape.

06/16/2026

Parents and grandparents of babies wanted!

Baby Fest 2026 is a FREE community event for expecting parents, moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers and families with children ages 3 and under!

Join us at Signature Bank Community Room on June 20th, 2026, from 10am - 12pm for a fun, educational, and supportive community event. Learn from local providers, explore valuable parenting resources, enter giveaways, and connect with others on their parenting journey!

👶 FREE to attend!
🧸 No registration required!
🎀 Dozens of giveaways!
💕 Open to parents, caregivers, grandparents and families of all kinds!

Click the link below for details and invite someone who could benefit from this amazing FREE community event!
https://www.facebook.com/events/993346796494049

06/12/2026

Congratulations to Sarah, Nichole, Cindy, Cheyenne and Dezeray for completing CLASS Infant-Toddler Observer Training. These ladies represent 3 counties - Boone, Madison, Newton - and a world of experience.

06/11/2026

📣WANTED: PROVIDER IMPUT
OEC is hosting a QRIS Workshop to gather direct input from providers like you to help guide and improve the new Quality Rating and Improvement System.

This is your chance to share what’s working, what isn't, and how the system can better support your program.

Register to attend here👉https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cjhiktqkSi6yPs4oY7TwNg #/registration

06/05/2026

📢 Lend Your Voice!

Parents and youth ages 10-18 are invited to join a community listening session about research that matters to Arkansas families.

🗓 June 8 | 6:00 p.m.
📍 Child Care Aware, Rogers, AR

💰 Parents receive $50 | Youth aged 10-18 receive $25
🍽 Dinner provided

Limited spots available! Register here: https://redcapconnectt1.archildrens.org/redcap/surveys/?s=RK83FKXNY97D73RT or use the QR code on the flyer.

Questions? Contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 501-247-2984

06/01/2026

Session Registration is OPEN!
OUR Local Leads EC Summer Conference
July 20-24, 8:30-3:30
OUR Educational Coop, 5823 Resource Drive, Harrison
Click here to register for the session you plan to attend
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCa0O6EugdXMzd2I1YYK1LjIjmAp2iWk1_UFKn_agcE14fZA/viewform

05/27/2026

The Curiosity-Guided Learning Institute is happening in Bentonville in just one week!
This event is bound to be a fit for you and your team if:

You're an intermediate to advanced-level educator or administrator who is interested in ways to deepen your early childhood practices and excited about authentic, inquiry-guided learning.

You're tired of "sit and get" lectures and are looking for a one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity where you can go out and explore!

You'd like to meet new professional friends or have some meaningful fun with colleagues.

You'd like to kick your summer off with a spark of inspiration and 8-10 hours of worthwhile PDR credit.

You can register or find out more on our landing page: https://bit.ly/CGLI-Landing

Please let me know if you have any questions. You're also welcome to share with others who may be interested.

Warmest regards,

Marcy, Mandi, & Team

Marcy White
Arkansas State University Childhood Services
Continuum for Teaching & Learning
(479) 721-6194
[email protected]