View in EDS

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

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Partnering with Faith Communities to Expand Early Care and Education Access for Children in Foster Care
Language: English
Authors: Nancy Perez, Kirby Chow, Todd Grindal, Sheila Smith, Nicola Conners Edge, Anne Partika, SRI Education, Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood (DESE/OEC), Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Source: SRI Education, a Division of SRI International. 2025.
Availability: SRI International. 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Tel: 650-859-2000; e-mail: customer.service@sri.com; Web site: https://www.sri.com/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Administration for Children and Families (ACF) (DHHS), Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
Contract Number: HHS2022ACFOPRE90YEO289
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Foster Care, Access to Education, Religious Schools, Educational Vouchers, Religious Factors, School Role, Barriers, Economic Factors, Administrators, Trauma, Behavior Problems, Child Behavior
Geographic Terms: Arkansas
Abstract: The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood collaborated 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. The brief also shares recommendations for any state leaders seeking to improve access to ECE for young children in foster care.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED679890
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood collaborated 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. The brief also shares recommendations for any state leaders seeking to improve access to ECE for young children in foster care.