Article by: Miriam Battles of KARK
The Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the Little Rock School District Early Childhood Department are joining forces to support early childhood education and workforce development.
Officials with the Goodwill Industries of Arkansas said the partnership will focus on expanding access to quality early childhood education, enhancing professional development opportunities and fostering a supportive learning environment for children and adults.
“The LRSD and Goodwill partnership will provide families the support needed to make their dreams a reality,” Ester Jones, director of Early Childhood Programs for the Little Rock School District, said. “We will work together to find pathways for families to connect to the appropriate resources and ensure their children receive a quality education.”
Officials said the partnership will provide employees and Excel Center students an opportunity to pursue careers in early education and obtain Child Development Associate certifications, professional early childhood development training and more.
“We’re thrilled to partner with LRSD to create a clear pathway for our employees and Excel Center students to pursue careers in early childhood education,” GIA Sr. vice president and chief mission officer Edie Stewart said. “One of the most beneficial wrap-around services provided by The Excel Center is our drop-in center that provides free childcare. This partnership not only benefits our students but maybe more significantly impacts their children who are seeing the importance of education being modeled by their parents.”