The Arkansas Department of Education’s (ADE) Office of Early Childhood has launched the state’s new School Readiness Assistance (SRA) system.
The SRA system helps families apply for and receive early childhood education and childcare support.
The department explained that the new system replaces the KidCare system, which helped eligible families access Federal childcare assistance for more than 17 years. The new SRA system features a more user-friendly interface and aligns with the state’s broader commitment to modernize and strengthen early childhood education and support systems.
“The new School Readiness Assistance system is a crucial step forward to ensuring families in Arkansas have streamlined access to the early child care supports they need,” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “We are dedicated to ensuring high-quality early learning programs are available, and we are thrilled that this easier-to-use system assists parents with accessing those services.”
The new SRA system includes a web-based portal for citizens, providers, and OEC staff. This portal will assist families with applying online for school readiness assistance, and families who meet eligibility guidelines for early childhood assistance can easily create profiles and submit applications through the streamlined platform.
The provider and OEC staff portal will allow Child Care Development Fund program participants to manage billing for services provided to eligible families and create a communication pathway for providers, OEC staff, and families.
