HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — CSO Head Start at South West Plaza in Hot Springs attained a 4-star rating in the Arkansas Better Beginnings program.

Arkansas Better Beginnings is a statewide initiative aiming to enhance the quality of early care and education programs in the state. These programs, including South West Plaza, undergo a rating system ranging from 1-6 Stars, each level requiring specific professional development and assessment criteria for attainment.

South West Plaza’s recent achievement of a 4-star rating shows a commitment to quality early childhood education. At this level, administrators actively cultivate innovative ideas to strengthen family partnerships and showcase a dedication to continuous improvement.

The roots of Arkansas Better Beginnings trace back to 1993 when the state legislature passed a bill empowering the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education to establish a certification system for licensed child care and early childhood education entities.

The primary goal was to assure Arkansas families that certified providers consistently offered care environments surpassing minimum licensing requirements. Better Beginnings serves as a guiding framework to help programs enhance their daily environments for children and implement proven administrative practices.

South West Plaza’s 4-star rating shows their ongoing commitment to providing quality care and education for the children entrusted to their care.