MyARFamily Resources
Highlights
Better Beginnings
Better Beginnings, a program of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, connects Arkansas families with information and care that helps their children experience a safe, happy, healthy childhood. Better Beginnings is designed to improve the level of quality in childcare and early childhood education programs across the state. Better Beginnings distinguishes the quality of each Arkansas child care facility by a 1, 2 and 3-star rating system and gives Arkansas providers valuable tools for improving the quality of their programs at every level.
My School Info
My School Info allows the public to search and compare public schools and districts from across the State in a variety of ways. Parents can get a jump start on what schools will best fit the needs of their family with just a few clicks of the mouse. The data presented on the Arkansas Department of Education’s website is periodically updated and reflective of information submitted by schools and districts.
Brighter Future 529 Plan
The Brighter Future 529 Plan is an educational savings account that offers up to $10,000 in state tax deductions for contributions. Savings in Brighter Future 529 can grow tax-deferred through a variety of investment options. Money can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for qualified higher education and vocational school costs like tuition, room and board, computers, and supplies at universities throughout Arkansas and the U.S. Funds may also be used for qualified tuition expenses at trade schools, K-12 private and parochial schools, for payments on existing student loan debt, and for apprenticeship programs. Family and friends can contribute to 529 Plans. Start saving at brighterfuturedirect529.com.
Arkansas ABLE Plan
There’s no limit to what people with disabilities can do. With Arkansas ABLE, you can save for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs. Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) of their Arkansas ABLE Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross income.* If you are a resident of Arkansas, your earnings are state-tax free if withdrawn to pay for qualified disability expenses. Set up your Arkansas ABLE account today by going to savewithable.com.
Child Safety Resources
- Arkansas Children’s Injury Prevention Center
- Arkansas Poison Center
- Auto Safety Hotline
- Consumer Product Safety Hotline
- NHTSA Car & Booster Seat Safety
- Red Cross CPR Training
- Car Safety For Kids
Health and Wellness
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Arkansas Down Syndrome Association
- Arkansas Infant Hearing Program
- Baby’s First Test
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Institute for Vaccine Safety
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau
- Newborn Screening Fact Sheets for Parents
- Newborn Screening FAQS for Parents
- Newborn Screening Program
- Save Babies Through Screening
- PublicHealth.org
- Family Fitness Tips
Parent Resources
- Arkansas Birth Certificate Online Service
- Arkansas Parenting Resources by UA Cooperative Extension Service
- Better Beginnings Child Care Finder
- Just in Time Parenting Newsletter
- March of Dimes Resource Center
- National Easter Seal Society
- Navigating Life’s Journey
- Pregnancy & Newborn
- Sisters United
- The Administration for Children and Families
Adoption and Foster Care
- Adoptive or Foster Parent Inquiry
- Arkansas Adoption Assistance Program
- Centers for Youth & Family, Therapeutic Foster Care
- National Foster Care & Adoption Directory
- Project Zero: Arkansas Heart Gallery
- Restore Hope Arkansas
- Text4Baby
- The Call: Foster Care and Adoption
Educational Resources
- ABC’s of Child Development
- Brighter Future 529 Plan
- Arkansas ABLE Plan
- Communicating With Baby: Tips and Milestones From Birth to Age 5
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
- Your Child’s Development: Age-Based Tips From Birth to 36 Months
Just for Moms
- Parents.com
- Baby Center
- It Starts with Mom | March of Dimes
- Postpartum Support International
- National Women’s Health Information Center
- WIC (Women, Infants, & Children)
