Excel by Eight Celebrates Enactment of ACT 587: A Major Step Toward Strengthening the Early Childhood Workforce
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.
Meredith’s Story: How Doula Support Complements Medical Care
At Excel by Eight, one of our goals is to ensure that all women receive complete, high-quality preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care. Meredith’s experience highlights the importance of doula support in advocating for patients’ voices to be heard during childbirth, in addition to providing educational experiences that can help mothers be better prepared for childbirth. She shares how her doula, Nicolle Fletcher, provided crucial support during both of her labors.
Erica’s Story: Empowered and Supported Through the Unexpected
At Excel by Eight, one of our goals is to ensure that all women receive complete, high-quality preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care. Erica’s experience highlights the importance of doula support in advocating for patients’ voices to be heard during childbirth, in addition to providing emotional and physical support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She shares how her doula, Nicolle Fletcher, provided crucial support during the birth of her daughter and reminded her that she had options.
2025 Legislative Session Update
The 95th General Assembly of the Arkansas State Legislature is underway, and Excel by Eight is proud to have a seat at the table, advocating for the needs of young children and families across the state. Early childhood development is already a key focus, with several related bills filed for consideration. Here are a few we are watching.
Working Families Face Limited Options for After-School Care
For working families, quality child care is an absolute necessity. Long waitlists for child care centers mean it can take months – or even years – for families with infants and toddlers to get access to care. For many families with school-age children, finding care after the school day ends and during summer break can be equally challenging.
A Look Back at the Excel by Eight Foundations Collaborative’s Third Annual Summit
The Excel by Eight Foundations Collaborative gathered in Little Rock this fall for our third annual Summit. We discussed opportunities for engaging in the work of the collaborative, celebrated another year of accomplishments in early childhood development, and previewed our legislative priorities for 2025.
Erin Gary on the Importance of Mentorship for New Moms
Erin Gary of Bryant, Arkansas, is a "Sister-Friend" mentor with the Arkansas Birthing Project. Drawing from her own experience, she emphasizes the importance of support systems for new moms. To learn more about the Arkansas Birthing Project, visit...
Canei Chaney on the Challenges of Finding Pediatric Care in Rural Arkansas
In rural Arkansas, many families face challenges accessing health care for their infants and toddlers. Canei Chaney, a resident of Monticello, highlights the struggle of long wait times and limited resources in her area, resulting in her driving more than two hours...
Holly Rogers Shines a Light on the Importance of Healthy Steps
Holly Rogers of Jonesboro, Arkansas, shares her experience with HealthySteps and how the program makes it easier for families to get the services they need without unnecessary obstacles. To learn more about the Healthy Steps program, head on over to the blog!...
Stephanie Takamaru Seeks to Amplify Voices and to Bring Down the Maternal Mortality Rate in Arkansas
Drawing from her own experience with a costly emergency C-section, Stephanie Takamaru of Rogers, Arkansas, advocates for reducing maternal mortality rates and improving health care access for all mothers and children, particularly for the state's Marshallese...