Best Care Out of School Time - Arkansas

11/11/2024

We would like to take some time this Veteran's Day to thank those who dedicated their service to protecting our country, our communities, our families, and ourselves. Thank you all for your service.

11/06/2024

Native American Heritage Month History:

With today being the United States Presidential election, we want to shine the light on NAHM and the history of Voting Rights for Indigenous Peoples in the U.S.

With the U.S. Constitution passing in 1776, Native Americans weren't given U.S. citizenship UNTIL 1924 (56 years after Black Americans given citizenship). When the 14th Amendment passed in 1868, the U.S. government specifically interpreted that to NOT include indigenous and tribal citizens.

In 1924, Native people won the right to full citizenship when President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act. But many saw the act as a way to break up Native nations and forcibly assimilate them into American society. A key part of this movement was forcing young Indigenous people to attend boarding schools. As Carlisle boarding school founder Richard Henry Pratt said in 1892, their mission was to “kill the Indian in him, and save the man.”

Native Americans were only able to win the right to vote by fighting for it state by state. In fact, efforts to disenfranchise Native Americans, particularly those who lived on reservations, continued through the early 1960s.

Despite these victories, Native people were still prevented from voting with poll taxes, literacy tests and intimidation—the same tactics used against Black voters. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped strengthen the voting rights that Native people had won in every state. However, in 2013, the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder eliminated the Justice Department’s authority to block changes to voting laws in states with histories of discrimination. In 2019, a federal commission found that at least 23 states had enacted "newly restrictive statewide voter laws." (Becky Little is a journalist based in Washington, D.C)

Whether you chose to vote today or voted early, during Native American Heritage Month, we look back over the fight, struggle, and sacrifices that have brought us to this FREEDOM to use our vote for our democracy.

10/17/2024

Your feedback is crucial! It helps us measure the impact of programs like Best Care, Best Care Connected, Best Care Out of School Time, and Guiding Children Successfully.

Your responses will inform key stakeholders at the state and federal level. Please take a moment to complete the survey below. Thank you for helping us continue delivering quality, research-based professional development across the state!

Fill out the survey using the link below!
https://uaex.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bsxLHXxdvWn8BWB .

10/16/2024

Students at Baker Elementary apart of Pulaski County Special School District are learning the importance of financial literacy at a young age.

09/27/2024

✨ Our educators love the Financial Literacy 4-H Discover Box! Have you claimed yours yet? 🍀 Create a FREE educator account on CLOVER and complete the SMART Goals financial literacy activity to get yours (small shipping fee applies).

Already have an educator account? No problem! Complete the activity using the account to be eligible for the promotion. https://bit.ly/3XQnvzF

09/11/2024

🌄 It’s Wednesday, and Wednesday Means FUN! 🌟

Looking for the perfect mid-week family adventure? Take the kids to Pinnacle Mountain to enjoy the cooler weather and all the outdoor fun that comes with it! 🍂🍃

Here are some great activities you can enjoy while you're there:

🌿 Nature Hike: Explore the scenic trails and take in the beautiful views of the changing fall colors! There are easy paths for little ones and more challenging routes for the adventurers in your family.

🎒 Picnic Time: Pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic at one of the park's many picnic areas. Don’t forget to bring some cozy blankets!

🔍 Nature Scavenger Hunt: Make the hike extra fun with a scavenger hunt! See how many fall leaves, acorns, or interesting rocks your kids can collect along the way.

🚣 Kayaking or Canoeing: Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and enjoy a peaceful paddle on the Big Maumelle River. It’s a great way to soak in the fresh air and calm waters!

Don’t let this beautiful Wednesday pass by—head out to Pinnacle Mountain for some fresh air and family fun! 🍁🎉

09/05/2024

🎆 Fireworks Fun with the Family! 🎆

Nothing beats the magic of watching fireworks light up the night sky with your little ones! ✨ Whether it's their first show or an annual tradition, fireworks are a spectacular way to create lasting memories.

Here are a few tips to make the experience extra special (and safe!):

👂 Earmuffs for Little Ears: Fireworks can be loud, so bring earmuffs or earplugs to keep things comfortable for sensitive ears.
📍 Pick a Safe Spot: Find a spot with a good view that’s away from the crowd—everyone will enjoy the show with a little more space!
🕶️ Bring Glow Sticks: Not only are they fun, but they help you keep track of your little ones in the dark.
🕰️ Plan Ahead: Arrive early to get a good spot and pack some snacks and blankets to make the wait fun and cozy.

Enjoy the show and make some unforgettable memories under the stars! 🌠

What’s your favorite part of watching fireworks with your kids? Share with us below! 👇

08/27/2024

🎓 Exciting Opportunity: Student Success Grants Available! 🌟

Attention public school educators, specialized instructional support personnel, and education support professionals! Did you know that the NEA Foundation issues Student Success Grants?

The grant is meant to support teachers’ efforts over a 12-month period, and funds can be allocated to any aspect of the proposed plan that directly influences students’ learning, including resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, and technology. For specific information, including eligibility, visit the application page.

For specific information, including eligibility, visit the application page here:

Through Student Success Grants, the NEA Foundation support educators in engaging students in project-based and deeper learning.

08/21/2024

08/13/2024

🧠 Free Critical Thinking Workbook for Your Students! 🧠

Calling all childcare providers! Do you want to help your students develop essential critical thinking skills from an early age? We've got just the resource for you! 🌟

Introducing this FREE Critical Thinking Workbook designed specifically for young learners. This workbook is filled with engaging activities that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and independent thinking—key skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

👉 How to Get Your Free Copy:
Click the link below to download the workbook and start using it in your classroom today! Let’s empower the next generation of thinkers together.