Arkansas Department of Education Call for Proposals for Early Childhood Professional Services
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is releasing a Call for Proposals on August 11, 2025, for vendors interested in providing early childhood professional services for the 2026-2027 school year. ADE seeks qualified vendors to provide coaching, training, and technical assistance to the state’s early childhood providers and educators. Professional services contracts funded by this opportunity shall begin July 1, 2026, with five-year initial award contracts and an annual evaluation.
SECTION II- APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
A. Call for Proposals Timeline and Important Dates
| August 11, 2025 | Call for Proposals released |
| November 1, 2025 | Proposal submissions due to ARECEQuality@ade.arkansas.gov |
| January 2026 | Vendors notified of recommendations |
| March 2026 | State board reviews contracts |
| After Board Meeting Approval | Contracts issued |
| July 2026 | Vendors begin offering professional service units |
B. How to Apply
Applying vendors must complete the following to apply:
- Completed Narrative Application and relevant supporting artifacts as a PDF file
- Completed Coverage and Price Schedule as an Excel document
Applications must be submitted as one PDF and one Excel sheet by November 1, 2025, to ARECEQuality@ade.arkansas.gov.
C. Eligible Vendors
Eligible vendors include qualified organizations and individuals, such as, but not limited to:
- Universities
- Education Service Cooperatives
- Government agencies
- Local early childhood lead organizations
- Nonprofit and for-profit organizations
- Other national or local educational vendors or individuals with demonstrated experience delivering early childhood professional services
Vendors must demonstrate:
- Evidence of relevant experience
- Staff qualifications
- Capacity to deliver high-quality services across the selected county or counties
Questions about the Call for Proposals process can be submitted to ARECEQuality@ade.arkansas.gov.
