Government shutdown impacts Arkansas daycares, forcing families to scramble for childcare

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The ongoing federal government shutdown is leaving Arkansas families uncertain about their child care options, and could soon close programs that serve hundreds of children across Pulaski County.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced it will have to temporarily shut down its six Head Start and Early Head Start locations starting Nov. 1 if Congress does not pass a funding bill. The program, which relies entirely on federal dollars, serves 446 children and employs 130 staff members.

UAMS has operated Head Start sites in Pulaski County since 1998. In a statement, the university said it is “continuing to monitor the situation” and hopes to reopen as soon as possible once funding is approved.

The shutdown’s ripple effects are also being felt at private childcare centers across central Arkansas, where many families depend on federal assistance to cover tuition costs.

“Those families are going to have to start paying an amount that was completely unexpected to them,” said Hannah Cheek, executive director of the Child Development Center in Little Rock.

Cheek said the sudden loss of support has left many parents struggling to keep their children enrolled.

“Several of our families are having to decide if they’re going to be able to make those payments or not, and remain in child care,” she said.

While her center hasn’t laid off employees yet, Cheek said shrinking budgets and rising demand are straining operations.

“Right now in Little Rock, it’s a real crisis as far as not having enough child care spots for the number of people that need them,” she said.

As other facilities prepare to close or cut staff, more families and employees are turning to her center in search of openings.

“We’ve had a lot of employees and families from other facilities trying to get in,” Cheek said.

Until Congress passes a funding bill, both parents and providers are left waiting — unsure how long they can afford to hold on.