Ark. Code Ann. § 6-45-102: Legislative intent

It is the intent of the General Assembly to expand the availability of developmentally appropriate early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, the Head Start program, the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), therapeutic child development programs, and Parents As Teachers. Children have the capacity to learn at very early ages, and participating in high-quality early care and education programs provides preschool children with the skills, enrichment, and learning opportunities that increase their chances of future success in school. Children from all backgrounds who receive high-quality early care and education score higher on tests of both cognitive and social skills in their early school years. Low-income children who receive high-quality early care and education score significantly higher on tests of reading and math from their primary years through middle adolescence. These high-quality early care and education services can be both classroom, center-based, or home-based programs. Therefore, the General Assembly finds that the state should provide assistance to educationally deprived young children by funding successful and innovative programs that are designed to increase the learning of these children and provide for their optimal development.