Helen R. Walton Children's Enrichment Center

Arkansas Quality Approval

At the Children’s Center we are always looking for ways to improve the services that we provide for children.  Arkansas Quality Approval is a program that challenges centers to provide a higher quality of service.  The accreditation process helps us identify changes that will strengthen the quality of our program.  Less than 10% of the childcare programs in Arkansas have earned this status.  The Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center has achieved Quality Approval since 2003. We are among the elite few!

We continue to evaluate and improve our program.  The Center looks at seven broad areas.

§         Space and Furnishings

§         Basic Care

§         Language and Reasoning

§         Learning Activities

§         Interactions

§         Program Structure

§         Needs of Parents and Staff

In order to reach Quality Approval, all seven areas are thoroughly reviewed.

What does this mean for your family?

You should see continued adjustments in our program that will improve the experience that your child has while in our care.  We also want to strengthen our partnership with parents.

Parents who enroll their children in approved programs area eligible for a refundable childcare credit on their state income taxes.

You will know that you have chosen high-quality care, which will lay a solid foundation for your child’s development.

What should you see in a quality program?

§         Comfortable space and furnishings that encourage children to explore and learn

§         A wide variety of toys, games and books that help children develop in all areas

§         Interesting pictures, posters, and children’s art work displayed

§         High standards for health, safety, and nutrition for children

§         Children engaged in conversation throughout the day

§         Many opportunities for creative art, music, and pretend play

§         Specially trained adults who are warm and loving; who respect children and appreciate individual differences

§         Frequent, effective staff-parent communication

§         Positive guidance techniques

For additional information on the Quality Approval System contact the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education at 501-682-9699.

479-273-3552