Early Childhood

  • The Fort Smith Public Schools Preschool Program has been in existence since Arkansas Better Chance for School Success (ABCSS) awarded funding in 2003.  Registration for preschool services is located at Parker Center, 811 North T Street.
     

    • The district now houses 30 preschool classrooms in each elementary building with the exception of Trusty Elementary School.
    • The FSPS Preschool Program is a licensed childcare center and is in good standing with the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Child Care Licensing Unit.
    • FSPS preschool services are supported financially through the ABCSS grant, Child Care Development Funds - Federal Prekindergarten Grant (CCDF-FPK), local partnership donations and district match funding.
    • The FSPS Preschool Program serves children ages three to four years old whose families are income-eligible.
    • Utilizing grant funds, FSPS provides non-special education preschool services to approximately 600 children.
Preschool students in a classroom.

  • Arkansas Better Chance For School Success (ABCSS) is an early childhood program which receives state funding. Eligibility is based on family income and services target three and four-year-old children.

    Child Care Development Fund/Federal Pre-K (CCDF/FPK) is an early childhood program that receives federal funding.  Eligibility is based on family income, continuing education hours, and extenuating circumstances are considered according to grant guidelines.  Services target three and four-year-old children.

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a home-based early childhood, parent education and family support program designed to empower parents to give their child the best possible start in life. This home-school-community partnership provides parents with critical information on child development from prenatal to age five. Learning opportunities that encourage language skills, intellectual growth, physical development, social skills, and early literacy are provided.

    ECE Framework

    ECE Advisory Board

  • For further information, please contact:

    Sarah Biggs

    Sarah Biggs
    Supervisor of Early Childhood/Parent & Community Services
    479.784.8182, Ext. 3533
    sbiggs@fortsmithschools.org