Arkansas child care providers ask state for help after changes to school readiness program

Arkansas child care providers ask state for help after changes to school readiness program

From left: Shelli Henehan and Democratic Rep. Denise Garner, both members of the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, listen to Republican Rep. Julie Mayberry during a work session to discuss child care funding on Oct. 15, 2025 in Little Rock. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)Arkansas’ child care system needs additional funding to avoid widespread closures and layoffs due to changes to the state’s financial aid program for low-income families, prov…