§ 6-45-108 - Criteria for determining need. - Arkansas Statutes

6-45-108. Criteria for determining need.

(a) (1) All children three (3) years of age and four (4) years of age who are members of a family with a gross family income not exceeding two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to attend an Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program if there is a program available in the school district where the child resides and if there is available space for the child to attend the program.

(2) The Department of Education and the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education may develop a fee schedule and establish eligibility based on family income for children who are not eligible under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, but priority enrollment shall be allowed to children eligible under subdivision (a)(1) of this section.

(b) The department and the division shall review various criteria for identifying and targeting the areas of the state with the greatest need for early childhood programs.

(c) The State Board of Education, with the advice and assistance of the division, shall adopt the appropriate criteria for identifying Arkansas children with the greatest need to participate in Arkansas Better Chance-funded early childhood programs.