LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the Little Rock School District (LRSD) Early Childhood Department have announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening early childhood education and workforce development.
The collaboration will focus on expanding access to high-quality early education, offering professional development opportunities, and creating a supportive environment for both children and adults.
Ester Jones, director of Early Childhood Programs at LRSD, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The LRSD and Goodwill partnership will provide families with the support they need to make their dreams a reality. We will work together to connect families with resources to ensure their children receive a quality education.”
The initiative will also give Goodwill employees and students from the Excel Center a chance to pursue careers in early childhood education. This includes opportunities to earn Child Development Associate (CDA) certifications, receive professional training, and more.
“We are excited to work with LRSD to offer a clear pathway for our employees and Excel Center students to enter the field of early childhood education,” said Edie Stewart, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “One of the most valuable services provided by The Excel Center is our drop-in childcare, which is free for students. This partnership benefits not only the students but also their children, who see their parents modeling the importance of education.”
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas has recently received a nearly $500,000 grant to provide mental health training focused on youth.
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