Welcome

The Arkansas LEARNS Act aims to improve the experience of families and providers by establishing local early childhood lead organizations tasked to make and execute plans on how to use available resources to best prepare Arkansas children for Kindergarten. Arkansas State University Child Care Aware is the local lead organization proudly serving Chicot, Desha, Lee, St. Francis, and Woodruff counties.

The mission of the A-State Child Care Aware Local Lead organization is to serve as a partner to implement the state’s early childhood plan within the local context and the needs of families, programs, and communities.

Meet Your Local Lead Captain

Elizabeth Coakley

Arkansas State University, Child Care Aware

ECoakley@AState.edu

p: 870-382-0200

107 East Waterman

Dumas, AR 71639

Elizabeth Coakley serves as the Local Lead Captain for A-State Child Care Aware and currently coordinates five counties in southeast Arkansas: Chicot, Desha, Woodruff, Saint Francis, and Lee. Elizabeth holds a master’s in early childhood studies from Walden University and has worked for four universities in Arkansas.

She began her career as a Head Start preschool teacher in Arkansas over thirty years ago and continued that work in Saginaw, Michigan where she was awarded the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship with the Michigan ISD Head Start program. Her experience in Arkansas includes mentoring and training in a local EIDT program.

Working with children was a privilege for Elizabeth and she made learning an enjoyable experience for her students. Now, she is excited about the opportunity to support others who are providing high-quality education for the children of Arkansas.

Goals of the Local Lead Organization

To develop and foster local partnerships in the community
To provide coordinated, timely, and consistent information to all stakeholders
To create alignment between public and private early education programs and agencies in the community
To establish a comprehensive, locally-supported plan for providing early childhood education and related services

Upcoming Events

Early Education Programs

ADE Links & Resources

Resources