Verified state guidance

Arkansas Preschool & TK

In Arkansas, children must turn 5 on or before August 1 to enter kindergarten. Arkansas has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The state funds Arkansas Better Chance / Arkansas Better Chance for School Success (ABC/ABCSS), a pre-K program for income-eligible three- and four-year-olds. Head Start is available statewide for income-eligible families.

Key early-childhood facts for Arkansas

Kindergarten entrance cutoff: Children must turn 5 on or before August 1 to start kindergarten.
Free pre-K options: Free state-funded pre-K is available to income-eligible three- and four-year-olds through Arkansas Better Chance / Arkansas Better Chance for School Success (ABC/ABCSS).
Notes: Arkansas has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Arkansas Better Chance / Arkansas Better Chance for School Success (ABC/ABCSS)) plus Head Start.

Head Start and early learning resources

Find local Head Start and state pre-K programs: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator

State early education website

https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-early-childhood/arkansas-better-chance-program-abc

Last updated 6/21/2026. Always confirm current rules with your state education department or local school district.