Excel by Eight applauds Governor Sanders for signing Senate Bill 148, now Act 587, into law. Act 587 enables eligible early childhood educators working in publicly funded programs to participate in the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, a long-overdue recognition of their contributions to the state’s educational and economic success.
This legislation is a breakthrough in recognizing early childhood professionals who have long been excluded from benefits available to their K–12 counterparts. With Act 587, Arkansas is taking a meaningful step toward valuing the work of early educators and building a more stable, professional workforce. Access to the teacher retirement system acknowledges the critical role early educators play in child development and serves as a strategic tool in retaining talent in a sector that is foundational to Arkansas’s workforce and economy.
Excel by Eight expresses deep appreciation to Senator Jane English and Representative Brandon Achor for their leadership and vision in championing this legislation. E8 stands ready to support implementation and ensure this new opportunity reaches the early childhood educators who deserve it.