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Early Care and Education Is an Essential Component of the Foster Care System: A View from Arkansas

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Early Care and Education Is an Essential Component of the Foster Care System: A View from Arkansas
Language: English
Authors: Todd Grindal, Sheila Smith, Kirby Chow, Nicola Edge, Nancy Perez, Maribel Granja, SRI Education, National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP), Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood (DESE/OEC), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Source: SRI Education, a Division of SRI International. 2025.
Availability: SRI International. 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Tel: 650-859-2000; e-mail: customer.service@sri.com; Web site: https://www.sri.com/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Administration for Children and Families (DHHS), Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
Contract Number: HHS2022ACFOPRE90YEO289
Intended Audience: Policymakers
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Child Care, Foster Care, Access to Education, Young Children, Barriers
Geographic Terms: Arkansas
Abstract: The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with SRI International, the National Center for Children in Poverty, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to learn about the supply, quality, and stability of early care and education (ECE) for children in foster care, as well as factors that promote or reduce access to high-quality ECE. This brief presents key findings from a recent survey of Arkansas foster parents about their experiences searching for and accessing ECE for young children in foster care from birth through 5 years old. Key findings from this brief include: (1) Many foster parents reported declining requests to place children in their homes because of concerns about finding ECE; (2) Nearly all foster families reported needing ECE so that adults in their foster households could work outside the home; (3) Foster families reported facing significant challenges to finding ECE programs that had immediate openings, accepted child care vouchers, or provided high-quality care; and (4) Most foster families reported experiencing some form of hardship, such as missed work and financial strain, due to the time needed to secure ECE. We also share recommendations for state leaders seeking to improve access to ECE for young children in foster care. [This brief was created in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS).]
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: ED672672
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with SRI International, the National Center for Children in Poverty, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to learn about the supply, quality, and stability of early care and education (ECE) for children in foster care, as well as factors that promote or reduce access to high-quality ECE. This brief presents key findings from a recent survey of Arkansas foster parents about their experiences searching for and accessing ECE for young children in foster care from birth through 5 years old. Key findings from this brief include: (1) Many foster parents reported declining requests to place children in their homes because of concerns about finding ECE; (2) Nearly all foster families reported needing ECE so that adults in their foster households could work outside the home; (3) Foster families reported facing significant challenges to finding ECE programs that had immediate openings, accepted child care vouchers, or provided high-quality care; and (4) Most foster families reported experiencing some form of hardship, such as missed work and financial strain, due to the time needed to secure ECE. We also share recommendations for state leaders seeking to improve access to ECE for young children in foster care. [This brief was created in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS).]