Arkansas Early Childhood Education Framework Handbook

Location: Arkansas, US

Authors: Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

The AECE Framework Handbook was developed by Arkansas educators who are widely recognized throughout the state for their professional contribution, insight, experience, and quality of work in Early Childhood Education. The Handbook contains information about curriculum, strategies, and assessment in developmentally appropriate quality early childhood education programs and is intended to be a user-friendly guide for early childhood educators.

The framework is intended to be used to shape and guide quality programs in Early Childhood Education in Arkansas. It is presented with the belief that local administrators, teachers and caregivers are best suited to make decisions that directly affect the children and families they serve. It defines the mission of early childhood education programs as providing learning opportunities that promote growth of the whole child in collaboration with family and community. In recognition of individual uniqueness, programs should reflect attention to each child’s pattern and timing of growth. A safe, nurturing, interactive environment is essential in order to maximize the potential and individuality of all children.

The AECE Framework Handbook defines the elements that are essential to quality early childhood education programs as environment – physical environment, social / emotional environment, diversity – culture, individual differences, family – resources, partnerships, and strategies that support learning – experiences, observations, technology.

For more information, visit the Arkansas Early Childhood Education Framework Handbook website.