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...
Dr. Zenobia Harris Envisions a Better Future for Birthing Mothers and Their Children in Arkansas
Dr. Zenobia Harris, executive director of the Arkansas Birthing Project, speaks on the importance of increasing access to quality prenatal care and positive birthing experiences for mothers so that we can improve outcomes for children in Arkansas. To learn more...
Leveling Up Child Care in Little Rock
Leticia Rodriguez is one of 12 Little Rock-based child care providers who participated in a cohort aimed at raising their Better Beginnings rating. Led by the City of Little Rock through a $15,000 grant from the National League of Cities, the program targeted Level 2 Better Beginnings centers because achieving three stars or higher results in significantly increased reimbursement rates for child care centers accepting School Readiness Assistance.
Doula Alliance of Arkansas forms to improve state’s maternal health outcomes
After months of behind-the-scenes planning and preparation, the Doula Alliance of Arkansas is ready to begin its collaborative effort to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas. The initiative aims to advance the profession of birth work through advocacy and education, improve access to high-quality doula services statewide, and provide a professional support system for Arkansas doulas.