Partnering with Faith Communities to Expand Early Care and Education Access for Children in Foster Care

Abstract

The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with SRI, the National Center for Children in Poverty, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to learn about the supply, quality, and stability of early care and education (ECE) for Arkansas children in foster care, as well as factors that promote or reduce access to high-quality ECE.

This brief examines factors that limit Arkansas faith-based ECE programs’ participation in state quality rating and child care subsidy systems and identifies opportunities to strengthen their role in serving children in foster care. The project team used a mixed-methods approach, drawing on administrative data analysis, a survey of faith-based ECE program directors, and a focus group with directors of faith-based ECE programs that do not accept child care vouchers.

Key findings from this brief include:

• Faith-based ECE programs participate in the state quality rating and improvement system and accept child care subsidy vouchers at much lower rates than other ECE programs statewide, and they perceive barriers to participation.
• Despite lower rates of participation in state systems, faith-based ECE program directors report serving children in foster care at higher rates than other ECE programs statewide.
• Most faith-based ECE program directors describe their experiences serving children in foster care as positive.
• Many faith-based ECE programs, even those currently serving children in foster care, report a strong need for additional training and support related to trauma and challenging behavior.

The brief also shares recommendations for any state leaders seeking to improve access to ECE for young children in foster care.