reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-220 - Persons or facilities abusing juveniles in their custody

(a)
If a juvenile is found to be abused or neglected due to the acts or omissions of a person other than the parent or guardian of the juvenile, the court may enter an order restraining or enjoining the person or facility employing that person from providing care, training, education, or supervision of juveniles of whom the person or facility is not the parent or guardian.
(b)
If the person or facility restrained or enjoined was not subject to this subchapter, the court may order the person or facility to obtain a license from the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services as a condition precedent to the person or facility providing care, training, education, or supervision of any juveniles of which the person or facility is not the parent or guardian. If the court so orders, this subchapter shall thereafter apply to the persons or facility subject to the court order.
(c)
(1)
Information pertaining to child maltreatment is confidential under the Child Maltreatment Act, §
12-18-101
et seq.
(2)
The division may receive information from any investigative agency on child maltreatment cases conducted within a childcare facility and relative to licensure under this subchapter, including specific allegations, a factual description of the investigative findings, and the investigative determination.
(3)
The division shall accept the investigative determinations of the appropriate investigative agencies for consideration in any action on childcare facility licenses.
Acts 1987, No. 745, § 1; 1995, No. 1280, § 16; 1997, No. 1132, § 19; 2009, No. 758, § 28.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-222 - Continuing education

(a)
(1)
All persons employed by a childcare facility who work directly with children shall receive at least ten (10) hours per year of continuing early childhood education as approved by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services.
(2)
Topics appropriate for continuing early childhood education shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(A)
Child growth and development;
(B)
Nutrition and food service;
(C)
Parental communication and involvement;
(D)
Curricula and curriculum development;
(E)
Developmentally appropriate practice and learning environments;
(F)
Behavior management;
(G)
Emergency care and first aid; and
(H)
Administration and management of early childhood programs.
(b)
Evidence satisfactory to the division of each employee's completion within the past twelve (12) months of continuing education shall be maintained by the childcare facility as part of the childcare facility's personnel records.
(c)
The failure of a childcare facility to comply with this requirement shall be grounds for the denial, revocation, or suspension of a license issued pursuant to this subchapter.
Acts 1993, No. 900, § 1; 1995, No. 594, § 1; 1997, No. 1132, § 21.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-223 - License fees - Disposition

(a)
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services shall not issue or maintain a license to a childcare facility unless the license fee is paid at the annual licensing or renewal date. The license fee is:
(1)
Fifteen dollars ($15.00) per year for childcare facilities serving fewer than seventeen (17) children;
(2)
Fifty dollars ($50.00) for childcare facilities serving seventeen (17) to ninety-nine (99) children; and
(3)
One hundred dollars ($100) per year for childcare facilities serving one hundred (100) or more children.
(b)
The division shall transmit the fees monthly to the Treasurer of State to be deposited as special revenues into the Child Care Fund.
Acts 1997, No. 1132, § 22.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-224 - Child Care Fund

(a)
There is established on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the Child Care Fund, to be administered by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services.
(b)
The division shall certify each month the amount of fees collected and deposited to the fund and shall transmit, from funds appropriated for the maintenance and operation of the division, an amount of money equal to one-half (1/2) of the fees transmitted to the Treasurer of State.
Acts 1997, No. 1132, § 22.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-225 - Child safety alarm devices

(a)
All agencies or childcare facilities licensed by the Department of Human Services under this subchapter or the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act, §
9-28-401
et seq., that transport children shall have approved child safety alarm devices installed on any vehicles designed or used to transport more than seven (7) passengers and one (1) driver.
(b)
(1)
All such vehicles in active child transportation service before July 1, 2005, shall have a child safety alarm device installed by a qualified technician or mechanic no later than December 31, 2005.
(2)
On or after July 1, 2005, each newly acquired vehicle placed in child transportation service shall have a child safety alarm installed before placing the vehicle into service.
(3)
Any agencies or childcare facilities required to have approved child safety alarm devices installed in a vehicle shall ensure that the devices are maintained and are in proper working order any time that the vehicle is in use for transporting children.
(c)
The department shall:
(1)
Maintain a list of approved child safety alarm devices; and
(2)
Promulgate rules as necessary for the proper implementation of this section.
(d)
Contingent upon the availability of funding for this purpose, the department may provide reimbursement to agencies or childcare facilities required under this section to retrofit vehicles in service before July 1, 2005, but the requirement to have approved child safety alarm devices in vehicles as required under this section shall not be contingent on the availability of funding or upon an agency's or a childcare facility's eligibility for reimbursement.
Acts 2005, No. 1979, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-226 - Violation

(a)
It shall be unlawful to transport children in a vehicle that is required to have an approved child safety alarm device as provided under §
20-78-225
if the approved child safety alarm device:
(1)
Has not been installed;
(2)
Is not in proper working condition; or
(3)
Has been disconnected.
(b)
Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 2005, No. 1979, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-227 - General liability insurance coverage required

(a)
The purpose of this section is to enhance safe and responsible passenger transportation of children in child care by requiring appropriate liability insurance and driver training.
(b)
(1)
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the State Insurance Department, shall develop and promulgate rules requiring sufficient and appropriate minimum levels of general liability insurance coverage for licensed childcare centers and licensed and registered childcare family homes, including coverage for transportation services when applicable.
(2)
A state institution, political subdivision, or other entity that is entitled to immunity from liability under §
21-9-301
is not required to have general liability insurance coverage in order to be licensed.
(c)
The division shall promulgate rules requiring all drivers of vehicles transporting children on behalf of licensed childcare centers and licensed and registered childcare family homes to complete a comprehensive program of driver safety training.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 23,§ 1, eff. 2/6/2015.
Acts 2009, No. 778, §§ 1, 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-228 - Childcare facility floor plan on file with emergency management coordinator - Definition

(a)
(1)
As used in this section, "floor plan" means a document containing:
(A)
A schematic drawing of facilities and property used by the childcare facility, including the configuration of rooms, spaces, and other physical features of buildings;
(B)
The location or locations where children enrolled in child care spend time regularly;
(C)
The escape routes approved by the local fire department for the childcare facility or faculties;
(D)
The ages of children served by the childcare facility;
(E)
The licensed capacity of children enrolled in the childcare facility; and
(F)
The contact information for at least two (2) emergency contacts for the childcare facility.
(2)
An aerial view of the childcare facility and property used by the childcare facility shall be included with the floor plan if available.
(b)
A childcare facility licensed by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services under this subchapter or the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act, §
9-28-401
et seq., shall file a copy of the childcare facility's floor plan with the emergency management coordinator through the statewide Smart911 system for the local office of emergency management or the inter-jurisdictional office of emergency management that serves the area where the childcare facility is located within:
(1)
Thirty (30) days of receiving a license; and
(2)
Thirty (30) days of a change or modification to the floor plan.
(c)
The emergency management coordinator shall ensure that the childcare facility's floor plan submitted under subsection (b) of this section is available at the 911 public safety communications center and the local office of emergency management or the interjurisdictional office of emergency management that serves the area where the childcare facility is located.
(d)
The Department of Human Services shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 950,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1159,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-229 - Compliance with local regulations - Childcare family homes - Exceptions - Definitions

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Childcare family home" means a childcare setting in which the caregiver provides child care in a family residence or a residence with a homelike environment; and
(2)
"Local governing authority" means the governing body of the municipality or county where a childcare facility is located.
(b)
(1)
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall require any childcare facility seeking licensure under this subchapter to comply with applicable zoning and land use development regulations of the municipality and county where the childcare facility is located.
(2)
Failure to comply with applicable zoning and land use regulations is grounds for the denial of a license of a childcare facility.
(c)
(1)
A local governing authority shall treat a childcare family home as residential property use in the application of local regulations, including without limitation:
(A)
Zoning;
(B)
Land use development;
(C)
Fire and life safety;
(D)
Sanitation; and
(E)
Building codes.
(2)
Residential property use for zoning purposes includes without limitation single-family residential zoning.
(d)
(1)
For a childcare family home, a local governing authority shall not impose:
(A)
Any additional regulations that do not also apply to other residential properties; or
(B)
Stricter requirements than those in the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
(2)
However, this section does not restrict a local governing authority from, on a case-by-case basis, managing the flow of traffic and parking related to adjacent childcare family homes.
(e)
(1)
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education may promulgate rules related to adequate fire protection and prevention in a childcare family home.
(2)
As part of developing any proposed rules in accordance with subdivision (e)(1) of this section, the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall seek the advice and assistance of:
(A)
The Department of Health;
(B)
The Boiler Inspection Division; and
(C)
Councils and associations representing:
(i)
Fire marshals; and
(ii)
Building code officials.
Added by Act 2023, No. 60,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 2 - LICENSING OF FACILITIES (§§ 20-78-201 — 20-78-230) › Section 20-78-230 - Notice requirement when owner, operator, lessee, or administrator of childcare facility is married to sex offender - Definition

(a)
As used in this section, "sex offender" means a:
(1)
Level 2 sex offender whose information is made public under §
12-12-913(j)(1)(B)
;
(2)
Level 3 sex offender; or
(3)
Level 4 sex offender.
(b)
If an owner, operator, lessee, or administrator of a childcare facility is married to a sex offender, the owner, operator, lessee, or administrator shall provide notification in writing or by email to the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control, or person standing in loco parentis of a child who attends the childcare facility that:
(1)
The owner, operator, lessee, or administrator is married to a sex offender; and
(2)
The sex offender will not be present on the premises of the childcare facility while children are present.
Added by Act 2023, No. 176,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 3 - AGREEMENTS WITH ADJOINING STATES (§§ 20-78-301 — 20-78-305) › Section 20-78-301 - Purpose

It is the purpose of this subchapter to permit the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services to cooperate with public agencies or private nonprofit organizations of adjoining states to provide services for residents of Arkansas that are in need of regular or therapeutic child care.
Acts 1997, No. 939, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 3 - AGREEMENTS WITH ADJOINING STATES (§§ 20-78-301 — 20-78-305) › Section 20-78-302 - Authority to enter agreements

Subject to the conditions and limitations contained in this subchapter, the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services may enter into agreements with public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, or combinations thereof from adjoining states for the purpose of performing the responsibility to the residents of Arkansas that are in need of regular or therapeutic child care. This includes financial participation, using any funds that are at the division's disposal, to the extent that similar services would be performed within the state.
Acts 1997, No. 939, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 3 - AGREEMENTS WITH ADJOINING STATES (§§ 20-78-301 — 20-78-305) › Section 20-78-303 - Requirements of agreements

Every agreement or contract entered into in accordance with this subchapter shall specify the following:
(1)
Full names and addresses of all parties to the agreement;
(2)
The precise organization, composition, and nature of the legal or the administrative entity that will be providing services together with its powers and limitations and the manner of acquiring, holding, and disposing of real and personal property used in the joint or cooperative undertaking;
(3)
A description of the joint or cooperative undertaking that specifies the duties and responsibilities of all parties to the agreement;
(4)
The manner of financing the joint or cooperative undertaking and of establishing and maintaining a budget thereof, or in the case whereby one of the participants agrees to furnish specified services, the financial arrangements therefor;
(5)
The permissible method or methods to be employed in accomplishing the partial or complete termination of the agreement and for disposing of property upon such a partial or complete termination; and
(6)
Any other necessary and proper methods.
Acts 1997, No. 939, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 3 - AGREEMENTS WITH ADJOINING STATES (§§ 20-78-301 — 20-78-305) › Section 20-78-304 - Attorney General approval

Every agreement made hereunder shall, before and as a condition precedent to its entry into force, may at the discretion of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services, be submitted to the Attorney General, who shall determine whether the agreement is in proper form and compatible with the laws of this state. The Attorney General shall approve any agreement submitted to him or her hereunder unless he or she shall find that it does not meet the conditions set forth herein and shall detail in writing addressed to the division and the governing bodies concerned with the agreement the specific respects in which the proposed agreement fails to meet the requirements of law. Failure to disapprove an agreement submitted hereunder within twenty (20) days of its submission shall constitute approval thereof.
Acts 1997, No. 939, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 3 - AGREEMENTS WITH ADJOINING STATES (§§ 20-78-301 — 20-78-305) › Section 20-78-305 - Status of agreements

Every agreement or contract entered into pursuant to this subchapter shall have the status of an interstate compact.
Acts 1997, No. 939, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION (§§ 20-78-501 — 20-78-506) › Section 20-78-502 - Duties - Assistance

(a)
The Arkansas Early Childhood Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities and shall annually report its progress toward the following:
(1)
Advising the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education on the administration of the Arkansas Child Care Facilities Loan Guarantee Trust Fund;
(2)
Providing technical assistance in the design of training programs to enhance the skills of professionals in early childhood programs, including the development of an annual comprehensive training plan for providers;
(3)
Examining the recommendations of national and regional groups and systems producing scientifically proven and cost-effective results used by others to provide child care and early childhood services;
(4)
Assisting in the development of a comprehensive long-range plan for the expansion, development, and implementation of early childhood programs in Arkansas, including recommending the allocation and expenditures of funds appropriated to the Arkansas Better Chance Program;
(5)
Facilitating coordination and communication among state agencies providing early childhood programs in order to promote nonduplication and coordination of services in the programs and recommending a structure for the administration of the currently existing programs and the recommended programs;
(6)
Advising the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and other appropriate state agencies on the development of programmatic standards for early childhood programs to be funded with funds appropriated to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education or to such other state agencies as may receive appropriations for such purposes;
(7)
Promoting strong local community support for early childhood education programs;
(8)
Promoting public awareness of child care and early childhood programs; and
(9)
From the applications submitted, making Child Care Appeal Review Panel selections from persons who meet the qualifications for service and who exhibit a willingness and time commitment to serve on the panel.
(b)
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall assist the commission in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2309, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2308, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 576,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1989, No. 202, § 1; 1997, No. 1132, § 25; 1999, No. 324, § 2; 1999, No. 1222, § 13.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION (§§ 20-78-501 — 20-78-506) › Section 20-78-503 - Arkansas Child Care Facilities Loan Guarantee Trust Fund

(a)
(1)
There is established a cash fund account of the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Education to be known as the "Arkansas Child Care Facilities Loan Guarantee Trust Fund".
(2)
The cash fund account established under subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall be:
(A)
Maintained in one (1) or more financial institutions of the state; and
(B)
Administered in accordance with this subchapter.
(b)
The division is hereby authorized to accept moneys for the fund from any source, including, but not limited to, allocations from the Treasurer of State as provided in §
20-78-504
.
(c)
The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall be used to guarantee loans for the expansion or development of childcare facilities in this state and as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
(d)
Any interest at the end of the fiscal year which exceeds the amount necessary to cover loan defaults occurring during that fiscal year shall be made available for professional development and quality improvement activities and grants, including without limitation to support an early childhood foundation or public-private partnership.
(e)
The fund shall be administered by the division with technical assistance from the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 66, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1989, No. 202, § 1; 1997, No. 540, § 43; 1997, No. 1132, § 26; 2001, No. 305, § 1; 2011, No. 636, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION (§§ 20-78-501 — 20-78-506) › Section 20-78-504 - Moneys for Arkansas Child Care Facilities Loan Guarantee Trust Fund

(a)
(1)
After providing for the exclusion of the interest income classified as special revenues as authorized by §§
15-41-110
and
27-70-204
, and for the first two million dollars ($2,000,000) of interest income received each fiscal year by the Treasurer of State as authorized in §
15-5-422
, the next one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of interest income received each fiscal year in the State Treasury beginning with the fiscal year commencing July 1, 1989, and continuing as set forth in subsection (b) of this section from the investment of state funds as authorized by the State Treasury Management Law, §
19-3-501
et seq., is declared to constitute cash funds restricted in their use and dedicated to be used solely as authorized in §
20-78-503
.
(2)
The cash funds as received by the Treasurer of State shall not be deposited into or deemed to be a part of the State Treasury for purposes of Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 29; Arkansas Constitution, Article 16, § 12; Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 20; or any other constitutional or statutory provision. The Treasurer of State shall pay the cash funds to the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services for depositing those amounts into the Arkansas Child Care Facilities Loan Guarantee Trust Fund for the purposes authorized by §
20-78-503
.
(3)
The interest earnings transferred directly to the division are declared to be cash funds restricted in their use and dedicated to be used solely as authorized in §
20-78-503
.
(b)
The Treasurer of State shall continue to pay the cash funds as authorized in subsection (a) of this section until the balance of the fund reaches three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000). After that time, the division shall review the fund balance at least quarterly and report to the Treasurer of State when the balance reaches or falls below one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). At that time, the Treasurer of State shall again pay cash funds as authorized in subsection (a) of this section until the balance of the fund reaches three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000).
Acts 1989, No. 202, § 1; 1997, No. 1132, § 27.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION (§§ 20-78-501 — 20-78-506) › Section 20-78-505 - Loan guarantees - Annual report

(a)
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education is authorized to develop and implement, with the technical assistance of the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, necessary rules to receive, review, and approve applications for loan deficiency guarantee assistance for expansion or development of childcare facilities in this state.
(b)
The maximum loan guarantee amount approved by the division shall be modified as necessary to ensure adequate childcare financing availability.
(c)
In guaranteeing loans under this subchapter, consideration shall be given to:
(1)
Geographic distribution;
(2)
Community need;
(3)
Community income, with priority given to those communities with the lowest median family income;
(4)
Proof of viable administrative and financial management; and
(5)
Intended licensure of the facility.
(d)
The division shall report each October to the Legislative Council on the status of the Arkansas Child Care Facilities Loan Guarantee Trust Fund.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2297, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1989, No. 202, § 1; 1997, No. 540, § 44; 1997, No. 1132, § 28.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 5 - EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION (§§ 20-78-501 — 20-78-506) › Section 20-78-506 - Criteria for grant approval

The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services is authorized to develop and implement criteria for grant approval of interest moneys to be used as authorized in §
20-78-503(d)
.
Acts 1989, No. 202, § 1; 1997, No. 1132, § 29; 2001, No. 305, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 7 - PRENATAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD NURSE HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (§§ 20-78-701 — 20-78-708) › Section 20-78-701 - Legislative declaration

The General Assembly hereby finds that, in order to adequately care for their newborns and young children, new mothers may often benefit from receiving professional assistance and information. Without the assistance and information, a young mother may develop habits or practices that are detrimental to her health and well-being and the health and well-being of her child. The General Assembly further finds that inadequate prenatal care and inadequate care in infancy and early childhood often inhibit a child's ability to learn and develop throughout his or her childhood and may have lasting, adverse effects on the child's ability to function as an adult. The General Assembly recognizes that implementation of a voluntary nurse home visitor program that provides educational, health, and other resources for young mothers during pregnancy and the first years of their infants' lives has been proven to significantly reduce the amount of drug, including nicotine, and alcohol use and abuse by mothers, the occurrence of criminal activity committed by mothers and their children under fifteen (15) years of age, and the number of reported incidents of child abuse and neglect. Such a program has also been proven to reduce the number of subsequent births, increase the length of time between subsequent births, and reduce the mother's need for other forms of public assistance. It is the intent of the General Assembly that such a program be established for the State of Arkansas initially targeting a limited number of first-time teenage mothers and potentially expanding over time.
Acts 1999, No. 1115, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 7 - PRENATAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD NURSE HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (§§ 20-78-701 — 20-78-708) › Section 20-78-702 - Creation - Duties and powers

(a)
The Rita Rowell Hale Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program is established and shall be administered by the Department of Health.
(b)
The department shall implement the Rita Rowell Hale Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation model developed by Dr. David Olds.
(c)
The department shall have the power to receive and expend grants, donations, and funds from public and private sources to carry out its responsibilities under this subchapter.
(d)
The department shall collect data which will allow a valid and reliable evaluation of the short-term and long-term effectiveness of this intervention in improving maternal and child outcomes. The department shall collect data which at a minimum, will provide information on the effect of prenatal and infancy home visits by nurses on all of the following:
(1)
Preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant morbidity and mortality;
(2)
Immunizations;
(3)
Mental development and behavioral problems;
(4)
Subsequent pregnancy;
(5)
Educational achievement;
(6)
Labor force participation; and
(7)
Use of public assistance programs.
(e)
The department shall coordinate with other state agencies to track childhood injuries, childhood maltreatment, and criminal activity.
(f)
The department shall cooperate with other state agencies and the developer of the program to create a more comprehensive evaluation of the overall impact and effectiveness of the program in Arkansas.
Acts 1999, No. 1115, § 2; 2001, No. 237, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 7 - PRENATAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD NURSE HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (§§ 20-78-701 — 20-78-708) › Section 20-78-704 - Freedom of Information Act - Exemption

The Rita Rowell Hale Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program is expressly exempted from the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, §
25-19-101
et seq., and is prohibited from supplying any information by individual name or other personal identifier or in a form other than a statistical report or other appropriate form which protects the confidentiality of individuals except to any state agency or department which originally supplied the information to the program unless both the originating agency and the program grant release of this information for a specific purpose.
Acts 1999, No. 1115, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 7 - PRENATAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD NURSE HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (§§ 20-78-701 — 20-78-708) › Section 20-78-705 - Patient records

(a)
All institutions receiving state or federal support and with patient records containing information pertaining to participating first-time mothers shall be required to share information in those records with the Rita Rowell Hale Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program.
(b)
All participating first-time mothers shall sign an informed consent and medical records release document.
Acts 1999, No. 1115, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 7 - PRENATAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD NURSE HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (§§ 20-78-701 — 20-78-708) › Section 20-78-706 - Limitation

Nothing performed pursuant to this subchapter shall be deemed to constitute the practice of home health care as defined in §
20-10-801
et seq.
Acts 1999, No. 1115, § 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 7 - PRENATAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD NURSE HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (§§ 20-78-701 — 20-78-708) › Section 20-78-707 - Referrals - Findings

(a)
Any physician, clinic, person, or organization may provide information and referrals to the Rita Rowell Hale Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program.
(b)
No liability of any kind or character for damages or other relief shall arise or be enforced against any person or organization by reason of having provided the information or by reason of having released or published the findings of the program in order to reduce child abuse or neglect or to advance medical research or medical education.
Acts 1999, No. 1115, § 7.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 7 - PRENATAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD NURSE HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (§§ 20-78-701 — 20-78-708) › Section 20-78-708 - Funding

The Secretary of the Department of Health is authorized to utilize available general revenue savings and allowable federal funds in support of the activities described in this subchapter in the event that sufficient funds are not allocated for the Rita Rowell Hale Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program herein. The secretary is authorized to transfer appropriations and funds as necessary but only for the purposes provided in this subchapter. Upon approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and review by the Legislative Council, the transfers shall be made upon the books of the Department of Finance and Administration, the Auditor of State, and the Treasurer of State.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5106, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1999, No. 1115, § 8; 2001, No. 237, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 8 - BIRTH THROUGH PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHING CREDENTIAL AND ENDORSEMENT (§§ 20-78-801 — 20-78-805) › Section 20-78-801 - Credential and endorsement - Definition

(a)
(1)
A person teaching in a public early childhood education program may obtain a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential from the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services.
(2)
Subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall not be construed to permit a person teaching in a public early childhood education program to utilize the teaching credential in lieu of a P-4 teaching license issued by the State Board of Education when the license is required.
(b)
As used in this subchapter, "public early childhood education program" means an education program that:
(1)
All or part of which is funded with state or federal funds; and
(2)
Serves children whose ages may range from birth through prekindergarten.
(c)
(1)
The division shall develop the teaching credential under this subchapter not later than January 31, 2010.
(2)
The teaching credential is valid for five (5) years and may be renewed upon completion of the requirements set forth in law and established by the division.
(3)
An applicant for an initial teaching credential or a renewal teaching credential is not required to pay a fee for submitting the application or obtaining the teaching credential.
(d)
Institutions of higher education in this state may submit to the Department of Education proposals for the creation of a birth through prekindergarten endorsement for P-4 teacher licensure.
Acts 2009, No. 187, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 8 - BIRTH THROUGH PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHING CREDENTIAL AND ENDORSEMENT (§§ 20-78-801 — 20-78-805) › Section 20-78-802 - Minimum requirements for a teaching credential

The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services shall develop a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential that requires without limitation that the applicant:
(1)
Meet a minimum educational level; and
(2)
(A)
Complete a core of courses in early childhood development and early childhood education.
(B)
The core courses shall meet the division's standards for the preparation of early childhood professionals.
Acts 2009, No. 187, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 8 - BIRTH THROUGH PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHING CREDENTIAL AND ENDORSEMENT (§§ 20-78-801 — 20-78-805) › Section 20-78-803 - Professional development

A person holding a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential under this subchapter shall complete a minimum number of hours of professional development in early childhood development or early childhood education as determined by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services.
Acts 2009, No. 187, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 8 - BIRTH THROUGH PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHING CREDENTIAL AND ENDORSEMENT (§§ 20-78-801 — 20-78-805) › Section 20-78-804 - Monitoring and assessment

The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services shall periodically monitor and assess a person holding a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential as the division may determine by rule.
Acts 2009, No. 187, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 8 - BIRTH THROUGH PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHING CREDENTIAL AND ENDORSEMENT (§§ 20-78-801 — 20-78-805) › Section 20-78-805 - Core courses

In consultation with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services and the state-supported institutions of higher education in this state, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall establish a minimum core of early childhood development and education courses that shall be applied toward meeting the requirements of the prekindergarten endorsement to a teaching degree.
Acts 2009, No. 187, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-901 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-902 - [Repealed]

Repealed without reference to 2017 amendment by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 897,§ 16, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-903 - [Repealed]

Repealed without reference to the amendment by Act 2017, No. 897 by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 897,§ 17, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-904 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-905 - [Repealed]

Repealed without reference to 2017 amendment by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 897,§ 18, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-906 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-907 - [Repealed]

Repealed without reference to 2017 amendment by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 897,§ 19, eff. 7/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 78 - CHILD CARE (§§ 20-78-101 — 20-78-908) › Subchapter 9 - HOME VISITATION (§§ 20-78-901 — 20-78-908) › Section 20-78-908 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 896,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 528,§ 3, eff. 3/28/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-102) › Section 20-79-101 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2015, No. 1157,§ 9, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 1923, No. 70, § 1; Pope's Dig., § 11639; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2518.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-102) › Section 20-79-102 - Caseworkers for the blind

The Director of the Division of State Services for the Blind is authorized and empowered to employ caseworkers for the blind, prepare rules governing personnel standards, define the duties of the caseworkers for the blind, and make such other rules as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 182,§ 9, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 2298, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1955, No. 168, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 83-160.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113) › Subtitle 5 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 20-76-101 — 20-86-113) › Chapter 79 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 20-79-101 — 20-79-403) › Subchapter 2 - REHABILITATION ACT OF ARKANSAS (§§ 20-79-201 — 20-79-216) › Section 20-79-201 - Title

This subchapter may be cited as the "Rehabilitation Act of Arkansas".
Acts 1955, No. 43, § 1; 1959, No. 34, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2540.