Our local early childhood lead agency has been working to expand awareness of the importance of early childhood care and education and the impact quality care has on communities.
A community leaders luncheon was held on Thursday, June 6, sponsored by the Local Lead Organization and the Museum of Natural Resources in Smackover. Geania Dickey with dot2dot Consulting and Leigh Keener with the Arkansas State Board of Education served as a guest panel of experts during the event to share information related to the current state and local early childhood landscape and to answer questions related to funding needs. During the event, recent projects of the local lead organization were shared and it was announced that beginning in July, Union County will be serviced by the South Central Service Local Lead Agency.
Also this month, the Local Lead organization hosted a Town Hall event on the campus of South Central Service Cooperative. The Office of Early Childhood's Assistant Commissioner, Tonya Williams, and some of her staff spoke to a group of community members. Community representation included: business and industry leaders, higher education, school district administration, early childhood workforce, training professionals, non-profits such as ExcelbyEight, OPED, and SWAEC.
The mission of the South Central Service Cooperative Local Early Childhood Lead Agency is to advance quality early care and education in our community through mutual partnerships with providers, families, and stakeholders.
The local lead agency will continue to expand awareness of the importance of quality child care and education while supporting local programs in the months to come. And in doing so, will be calling upon the citizens of Ouachita, Calhoun, and Union counties to lend their time, talents, and expertise. If you are interested in learning more, Zephonia Avant can be reached at zephonia.avant@scscoop.org.
The work of the local lead agency is guided by the Arkansas Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood.