Parent Orientation
Welcome to the HWCEC Family!
We're thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey together. Today, we'll dive into all the exciting details about our school, our programs, and how we can partner to support your child's growth and development.
About Us
We care about the development and health of your child. The Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center’s campus is the first early childhood program in the nation designed and constructed with an emphasis on a healthy environment using only the safest building materials.
Why Does Quality Matter?
Your child’s development during these early years are foundational for their future success. High quality early childhood education sets the stage for how well our children learn, how they think of themselves and how they interact with their world.
HWCEC Family Services
All families deserve opportunities to be successful and have their basic needs met, regardless of income level. We take the whole-family approach when addressing needs because the mental and physical health of the family unit, whatever that may look like, has a profound impact on the child’s development.
What Does Quality Look Like?
The quality of a child’s future depends on the quality of caregiving in the first five years. This is particularly true of our most at-risk children. Benefits that can accrue from a first-rate early learning experience come only if the setting is safe, healthy, stimulating, thoughtful, organized and—perhaps most important—led by well-trained, attentive teachers. Here’s what to look for in a successful early learning program.
What to bring for your child’s first day
A simple checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything for your child’s first day at Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center. We can’t wait to see you!
Preparing your child for kindergarten
Why does my child “play” all day? Is he learning? What does “developmentally appropriate practice” mean? Does HWCEC use a curriculum plan to prepare my child for kindergarten?
You can find answers to many of your questions here.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
CACFP is the Child and Adult Care Food Program. It is a Federal program that pays for healthy meals and snacks for children and adults in day care.
Arkansas WIC
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Arkansas WIC is a program within the Arkansas Department of Health. The main focus of WIC is educating families about proper nutrition for babies, young children, and expectant and new mothers.
Kindergarten Readiness Indicator Checklist
This list of indicators identifies skills, knowledge and behaviors that will help your child be prepared for that special day – going to kindergarten. The checklist is NOT a test. It is a tool that you can use to help your child make the transition to kindergarten.
Calendar: Getting Ready for Kindergarten
One of the most exciting days for you and your child is that day when he or she goes to kindergarten. The family calendar of kindergarten readiness activities is designed to help you and your child get ready for that special day
Guide: Getting Children Ready for Kindergarten
Teachers and caregivers in preschool programs also have a role in the area of kindergarten readiness. To support you in that role, this Getting Children Ready for Kindergarten Guide has been developed. In the guide you may find things that you are already doing with children to support the Kindergarten Readiness Indicators plus new activities, ideas and resources.