The recent closure of ARVAC’s Head Start in Waldron has caused a great hardship on the residents and the community surrounding the City of Waldorn.
According to Stephanie Garner, ARVAC Inc. CEO, the closure was not an easy decision to make, but that the needed repairs and upgrades did not fit the offering of quality care they sought to provide.
Garner said, “with the costs of operations combined with facility conditions and scarce community resources, we are unable to continue to meet our standards of providing adequate, quality childcare and education in certain centers. Therefore, not every site and location previously served, will be served in the ARVAC Head Start model. Effective July 1, 2019, ARVAC will be vacating the existing slots located at Booneville, Dover, Waldron and Crawford Centers. Children will be referred and provided priority placement at neighboring sites and/or referred to other childcare services.”
However, many feel this will have a direct adverse affect on the community and on the people who rely on the services they offered.
The Waldron location had nine employees and 33 children enrolled at the head start. According to Garner, “employees will be offered positions at neighboring ARVAC Head Start centers. All center directors will be supported and provided assistance in initiating a transition plan for both families and children.”
Garner also stated that they are actively seeking partners and grants within the community to be able to continue offering the service. ARVAC remains an active partner in the county providing services to low-income families.
The last day of services at the center is June 20, 2019.
