Arkansas Association for Infant Mental Health

As some of you may know, the DCCECE has been working on changes to Minimum Licensing Standard for Child Care Centers. These changes would improve the quality of child care in our state. However, before they can be put in place, our state legislature has to give the thumbs up. There will be a brief period for public comment (deadline is June 12) prior to a decision being made. That’s where each of us can help. Scroll down to the link below to review the proposed changes and other information. Then help by one of 3 ways:

Attend a meeting in your area and voice your support for the changes.
Send an email to David Griffin (see bottom of this screen) with your written support for the changes and why. Again, the deadline is June 12.
Both of the above.

Notice of Rule Making

Pursuant to Arkansas Code 20-78-201-220, the Director of the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, issues revised Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers, Licensed Child Care Family Homes and Registered Child Care Family Homes. The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education is also intending to promulgate a new regulation book for Out-of-School Time Facilities. If you are interested in obtaining information or presenting your views regarding the revisions, you are welcome to attend one of the following public meeting dates:

May 23, 2014: 10:00a – 12:00p
Helen Walton Center
1701 NE Wildcat Way
Bentonville, AR 72712

June 3, 2014: 10:00a – 12:00p
Miller County DHS
3809 Airport Plaza
Texarkana, AR 71854

June 5, 2014: 10:00a – 12:00p
Drew County DHS
444 Highway 425 N
Monticello, AR 71657

June 10, 2014: 10:00a – 12:00p
Craighead County DHS
1600 Browns Lane Access Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401-7291

June 12, 2014: 10:00a – 12:00p
Arkansas River Room
101 East Capitol, Suite 350
Little Rock, AR 72201

The proposed policies and forms are available for review on the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education’s website http://hs.arkansas.gov/dccece/Pages/ChildCareLicensing.aspx.

There will also be a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) section on the website as well. Limited copies will be available at each meeting. If you are unable to view and/or print the documents electronically, you may also view or obtain them at the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, located at 700 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, or by calling 1-800-445-3316.

If you cannot attend the public hearing you can also send your comments to:
DCCECE Licensing and Accreditation Unit,
Attn: David Griffin, Associate Director: Licensing and Accreditation
PO Box 1437 Slot S-150
Little Rock, AR 72203
(501) 320-8904
david.griffin@dhs.arkansas.gov

All comments (both written and verbal) must be received no later than 4:00 pm on June 12, 2014

________________________________________________________
Tonya Williams,
Director, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

Child Care Aware Central Southwest Arkansas

Arkansas' most trusted child care resource.

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