Using recent economic data on state spending and information about childhood brain development, this Kids Count mini-report offers a snapshot of where Arkansas stands on early education and spending on such programs. The report examines the next steps, challenging conventional wisdom in order to explore the best path for improving child outcomes…

The guide, intended to complement developed curricula for parents, professionals, and consumers concerning access and use of assistive technology, focuses on appropriate technology for young children with disabilities. A question and answer format is used to address: terms used in the guide, service considerations (e.g., the role of evaluation in…

The instructor's manual is part of a curriculum intended to help provide Arkansas persons with disabilities or their supporters with basic information on accessing and using assistive technology. The material is divided into three goal areas. The section on Goal 1, the development of technology advocacy concepts, covers basic definitions of…

This policy history describes how, during the 20-year period of 1974 to 1994, Arkansas child welfare authorities struggled between removing children from their parents' custody and helping preserve families so children could remain with parents, without compromising their safety or well-being. The report notes that as the state has adapted its…

The instructor's manual is part of a curriculum intended to help provide Arkansas parents of disabled children with basic information on accessing and using assistive technology. The material is divided into three goal areas. The section on Goal 1, the development of technology advocacy concepts, covers basic definitions of assistive technology…

The manual is designed for training surrogate parents in identification, evaluation, placement, and programing for the handicapped child in Arkansas. General guidelines for the surrogate parent are listed, including meeting the child before requesting to see any school records, presuming that the agency has the child's best interest at heart, and…

This report provides an account of the actions taken by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families in the wake of the fatal school shooting in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to shape public policy affecting young children who commit serious violent crimes. Following some background information, the report's contents are: (1) "Responding to a…

This guide, intended for parents and families in Arkansas who have school-age children with disabilities, shows parents ways to work with schools to assure provision of needed technologies. The guide is divided into five sections, each using a question and answer format. After defining "assistive technology and services," the first…

This publication summarizes recent Arkansas legislation relevant to the well being of Arkansas children in the areas of juvenile justice, education and schools, child health and safety, welfare reform, and child welfare. The report further describes legislative efforts to protect juveniles in state custody and two proposed programs toward that…

Results are presented of an advocacy event in Pulaski County, Arkansas, where one school district's efforts to desegregate their gifted program resulted in more black students enrolled. Different phases of a Gifted Program Advocacy Model are used to explain important components of the Pulaski County Special School District's advocacy efforts.…

This Kids Count report details statewide trends in the well-being of Arkansas' children. The report's introduction discusses factors contributing to the need for increased attention to children and families, what voters think about issues affecting children and families, the collection of data, and federal spending in Arkansas. The subsequent…

This Kids Count data book examines statewide trends in the well-being of Arkansas children. The statistical portrait is based on the following areas of childrens well-being: demographics; childrens living situations; family support; risks to children; resources for children; and public school environment. The specific indicators include: (1) child…