Our Approach

Importance of the early years

Children begin their journey of learning at birth, and learn rapidly through their environment, relationships and interactions. The foundation on which they learn in the first few years of life sets the trajectory for all of their future endeavors, making their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in the first 5 years critical.

A “Whole Child” Approach

Our “whole child” approach to development ensures every student receives opportunities to develop emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually. Our program includes a commitment to educational excellence offering a variety of developmentally sound learning centers including music, library, and science. Most importantly, a highly trained staff with teacher-to-child ratios far below the state requirement.  Our program is highly successful. Kindergarten Preparedness Surveys confirm that parents overwhelmingly believe HWCEC has effectively prepared their children for kindergarten. At HWCEC, we are in the business of preparing children for success.

Best practices

Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center is an Arkansas quality accredited program, and seeks best practices from sources such as National Association for the Education of Young Children, Academy of Pediatrics and national program models. We connect research, theory and practice to provide the highest quality of early education and care to the youngest learners of our region.

Testimonials

  • I marveled at the opportunity children who were playing on the porch had to freely interact with the available developmentally appropriate materials and each other. They independently selected their course of play, happily engaging in their self directed experience. When two toddlers' movement resulted in a physical exchange of pushing, they had the chance to attempt to work out the situation without adult intervention. When an adult did provide guidance for them, it was to verbally clarify that they were working toward finding a solution and reinforce supportive feelings for each of the children.

    Connie Shanhouse, a college instructor in early education for over 20 years

  • The boys are both having the best time at Helen Walton Children's Enrichment Center. I am always so amazed at all the wonderful crafts [my child] comes home with. Ms. Cynthia has also made a huge impact on [my son] and he loves seeing her smiling face every day. Thank you so much for everything you and your staff do to make my boys' experiences so pleasant.

    A parent

  • EVERYONE at HWCEC deserves a “You Rock” for being awesome, for always smiling, and for loving and caring for our kids as their own. We appreciate all of you every day!”

    A parent