Arkansas has many great things to offer its families as it relates to quality and affordable childcare. As a smaller state in terms of population, there is less competition for quality childcare providers than in states with larger populations. In Arkansas, the poverty rate is high, especially for families with young children. It is interesting to note that more than 25 percent of Arkansas families with children aged four and younger live in poverty. In addition, more than one-third of Arkansas families are headed by a single mother, indicating a need for affordable quality child care in the state. Arkansas has about 2,500 child care centers and about 1,200 family child care homes.
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In Arkansas, 26 percent of child care centers are nationally accredited, meaning that they meet high standards for the care of children and the educational and play opportunities provided to the children under their care. This is in contrast to a national average of 10 percent of child care centers being accredited, which indicates that Arkansas offers a high level of quality of care to its youngsters. In addition, 3 percent of family child care homes in Arkansas are nationally accredited, compared to an average of 1 percent in the United States. Arkansas families pay a reasonable fee for these high quality childcare services, with the average cost of sending an infant to a childcare center running about $5,400 per year, which is one of the lowest average costs in the United States. For married families, the cost of childcare in Arkansas is about 9 percent of their income, while single mothers pay about 29 percent of their income for childcare services.
Arkansas also offers a variety of recreational activities for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. The Mississippi River provides opportunities for boating, canoeing and fishing, and the Ozark Mountains in the Northwest region of the state allow plenty of opportunities for hiking, geocaching and observing nature. The state also has many caves to explore, such as the Blanchard Springs Caverns. Arkansas also hosts many sites of historical significance, including those of Native Americans and is the home of many notable Americans, including Maya Angelou. With its mild and humid climate, Arkansas families can enjoy exploring the state for most of the year without worrying about cold or snowy weather.
