by Linsley Kinkade, Chief Program Officer
In Arkansas, expanding access to safe, reliable, and affordable childcare presents an opportunity to strengthen families and increase the state’s economic potential. Arkansas Impact Philanthropy (AIP) recognizes the growing demand for infant and toddler childcare and continues to support efforts that ensure adequate care is available to meet the need. Investing in early childcare is not just about supporting families—it’s about empowering the workforce and fostering economic growth.
By strategically supporting initiatives like Excel by Eight (E8), philanthropy is helping fuel a mission to expand access, drive systemic change, and attract national investments that bring innovative solutions and resources to Arkansas.
Snapshot of Childcare in Arkansas
Childcare is not just a personal challenge for a singular family—it’s a collective one. According to a recent Aspire Arkansas report produced by Arkansas Community Foundation, in 2023 there were enough high-quality publicly funded slots to serve just 10% of Arkansas’s infants and toddlers; there were 15 counties that had no publicly funded quality slots. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that 76% of parents surveyed stated that they missed work because of lack of childcare. These are not numbers. These are lives, real people trying to make it all work. So, what happens when they can’t?
Thirty-four percent of Arkansans say they or someone in their household has left a job, declined a job offer, or made significant career changes due to childcare challenges.
These are critical development years for the child and career-building years for the parent—a time when everything should be growing, not falling apart.
Randy Zook, CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, recognizes not only the childcare challenges employees face, but the impact on employers and the state’s economy if it persists.
“Although it should not be incumbent on employers to provide childcare for their employees, employers should be attentive to and supportive of improving child care availability within their region when they can,” Zook said.
Excel by Eight: A Strategic Approach to Childcare Solutions
Since 2020, Excel by Eight has brought hope and innovation through their efforts to ensure children thrive by the age of eight. E8 understands that early childcare is the foundation of everything else—education, health, opportunity.
Through a dynamic coalition, E8 has led the charge amongst Arkansas businesses to address three critical areas of the early care crisis—accessibility, affordability, and quality. With more than 75 active businesses, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce across the state, E8’s Business Coalition has worked to identify gaps in childcare services, implement solutions and align resources. They use data to pinpoint needs, ensuring every dollar and every effort makes a difference. Grounded in collaboration, Excel by Eight is building new programs, stronger systems and better outcomes.
Their message is simple: When you invest in early care and education, you invest in the future.
Philanthropy’s Opportunity
Early care is not just a family issue, it’s an economic one. Philanthropy has a unique role and opportunity to do what others can not: move quickly, think creatively and take risks. Philanthropy can play a variety of roles to advance this important work. Arkansas Impact Philanthropy funders are actively:
- Supporting Workforce Development: Funding training programs to expand the pool of qualified childcare providers, particularly in underserved areas.
- Investing in Infrastructure: Collaborating with community organizations, like Excel by Eight, to create more childcare centers that specialize in infant and toddler care.
- Advocating for Policy Change: Working with policymakers to prioritize early care access through funding and regulatory support.
The data is clear: Arkansas families need better and more access to care for young children, and the consequences of inaction extend far beyond individual households. Now’s the time to elevate solutions that benefit our families, our workforce, and our communities. AIP invites additional investment in this space to grow our impact and partnerships.
Click these links to learn more about Excel by Eight and the Business Coalition.
Resources:
Arkansas Community Foundation is a member of Arkansas Impact Philanthropy. A collaborative of 12 national, regional and community foundations that convenes to influence, invest in and collaborate for systemic change for a more equitable Arkansas.