The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is pleased to extend a Request for Proposals (RFP) pursuant to Act 830 of 1995, which appropriates funds for a Model Rural Early Childhood Consortium. This legislation was developed due to a number of rural school districts in the Delta region expressing concerns about a need to provide innovative early childhood programs that involve parents and community which promote schoolwide systemic programs in early childhood education. During the 1995 session, a bill was passed to address this concern and the necessary rules and regulations for the Model Rural Early Childhood Consortium were developed. Funding has been maintained at $500,000 since the 1995 legislative session for the development and implementation of this model.
Any model considered for funding should exemplify the best practices available in early childhood education and support the major components of the Arkansas Department of Education Smart Start Initiative.
Local districts (or consortia of districts) may submit proposals for a grant that will be awarded for the development of Model Rural Early Childhood Programs. The original application and two copies must be appropriately postmarked and received in the ADE Early Childhood and Reading Office by October 22, 1999. Incomplete applications, faxed applications or applications received after this date will not be considered. Districts in the Delta will have first priority.