Program overview

The State of Arkansas has established various programs to help its residents. Amongst these programs is the Arkansas Better Chance Program. It is also known as the ABC program and is aimed towards families whose gross income is below a specific level. This is the 200% Federal poverty level. ABC hopes to help the children between the ages of three to five. They aim to accomplish this by creating a safe and nurturing environment for the children. The objective of such an atmosphere is to promote the development and enhance learning. These high-quality Early Education services help the state to establish relationships with the families of the children. It also contributes to the collaboration of community members in achieving this quality.
ABC program plans to be successful in its goal through the organization of a curriculum. It ensures that the pan constructed covers various topics. This includes cultural diversity, social and emotional development, and language skills. A daily schedule is set up that encourages children intellectual stimulation through the help of the following activities:
Indoor and outdoor activities
Quiet and active activities
Individual and group activities
Fine and gross motor skill-building activities
Children and teacher-initiated activities
To ensure that this is achieved in an organized manner, proper schedules are followed. These schedules are posted in each classroom. The goal of the curriculum is to optimize the success of children when they start elementary. These steps help the state to emphasize the importance of early learning years.

Eligibility Criteria

A criterion is considered for these state programs. The set of requirements helps the program to target those individuals who are most deserving of the services offered. Therefore, the Arkansas Department of Education has put forward certain requirements that must be followed. This includes the following:
The age requirement must be achieved on or before the school year started. That is August 1st. This means that the children applying must be three years old before this date. This is important if they wish to enter the three-year-old class. The same is the case for the other classes and ages.
The income limit must be followed. The family must have a gross income that does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level.
The child must be living in an area where the ABC program is being carried out. Moreover, there should be the availability of space for the child.
Along with these specific requirements, there is a basic criterion that must be fulfilled. The family applying must make sure that they and their children are:
Residents of the state of Arkansas
U.S. citizen or qualified aliens
Special education services are also provided by the ABC program. It caters to the needs of every child to the best extent. However, to receive these services, there is a certain rule. It states that the child must reside within certain district/co-op lines.

How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply for the ABC program through their application. This form can be found on the website of the Arkansas Department of Human Services. It not only includes the application form but also any other documents that may be required. These may help the individual to clarify their confusion. It includes the following:
ABC Data Specialist Map
ABC Program Manual
ABC Program Specialist Map
ABC Rule and Regulation Clarifications
Budget Amendment Request
Child Application
Child Enrollment Checklist
Child Waiver Request
These online forms will help to ensure that the application process goes smoothly. The interested families have to fill these forms and submit them at the authorized learning centers. Therefore, at the time of enrollment, parents of the children need to bring certain documentation. If you match the eligibility criteria stated above, then you must take the following with you:
Completed ABC application
Completed Well Child Screening
A copy of the child’s birth certificate or social security card.
Proof of parent/guardians’ income. This must be dated within the last 30 days or otherwise, will not be considered credible enough. The proof can be USDA/reduced lunch application but only in the case of public schools. It can also be 30 days of current pay stubs, income tax form or W2.
Signed ABC Parent Agreement Form
In the case of unemployment, documentation of unemployment benefits or notarized statement. The latter must be signed by the parent stating that there is no earned income.

For Further Information

If interested individuals have any questions that need to be cleared up, they can contact the appropriate department. This is the division of child care and early childhood education. The contact information of this division is available on the page of ADHS at the Arkansas Department of Human Services website. You can either submit your query there or call them on their number at: 501-682-8590. Visit Benefits by State for more insights.