We are looking for district, building, and classroom leaders to be part of our 2025 AFESC Math Leadership Collaborative. These dates will be a mixture of updates, new learning, and planning that will support our schools, teachers, and students. We hope to see you there! Register with the link below! https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=569764
6 months ago, Tara Sanders
arch ford math leadership collaborative
⭐️BIG NEWS⭐️ Our work is expanding and we are so excited for what's ahead!
1 day ago, Kristen Weatherall
Arch Ford Local Lead expansion announcement. Now serving Pope, Pulaski (North Little Rock), Van Buren, and Yell Counties. Launch date July 1, 2026. Includes photo of Kristen Weatherall.
Step into a space designed to refill your cup, not just your calendar! Join us at Arch Ford for a dynamic mini-conference centered on the mental health and well-being of educators, where the focus is simple but powerful: helping you work with greater efficiency, think with clarity, and protect the bandwidth that keeps you at your best. Featuring keynote speaker Brad Chapin, this experience will blend insight, practicality, and a refreshing dose of real-world perspective on sustaining yourself in today’s educational landscape. Participants will also have the opportunity to choose two breakout sessions tailored to their needs and interests. Each session is crafted around relevant topics that support streamlined practices, mental clarity, and sustainable approaches to the demands of education. Whether you're looking to sharpen your focus, lighten your load, or reconnect with your purpose, this conference offers meaningful strategies you can take back to your classroom and your life. Register HERE--->https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=577669
8 days ago, Bethany Hill
promo
Meaningful conversations filled the room as early childhood providers and educators gathered for Learning Comes Alive Outdoors during Arkansas Children’s Week. Educators explored how rich learning and meaningful interactions can happen outdoors while connecting with colleagues from different programs and communities. Through partnerships with Local Leads in the area and collaboration with Arkansas State University Childhood Services, this event was made possible. When educators learn together, the impact reaches far beyond one classroom.
21 days ago, Kristen Weatherall
Early childhood educators sit at tables during a professional learning session about outdoor learning.
Early childhood providers stand and talk in small groups during a collaborative learning activity.
Educators move around the room connecting with colleagues during a professional development session.
Early childhood providers participate in a group activity while discussing outdoor learning ideas.
Educators explore raised garden beds outdoors as part of an outdoor learning activity.
Providers examine classroom materials and activity cards related to outdoor learning.
Books and plush animal props displayed as part of an early childhood literacy activity.
Early childhood leaders and partners pose together during the Arkansas Children’s Week event.
Guy-Perkins School District is working on universal language for building expectations and aligning language between K-6 and 7-12 buildings! They are building a system of behavior support from the ground up. One of their goals is to tier their approach to behavior intervention. They are ready to SOAR! As you can see, Dutton the school dog was a big participant! #ArchFordServes
24 days ago, Bethany Hill
team meeting
team meeting
team meeting
🚀 Learning is out of this world at Clinton ABC Preschool! Students are exploring the solar system through dramatic play, art, and hands-on discovery. These moments create opportunities for strong CLASS interactions! Amazing things are happening in Arch Ford early childhood classrooms!
29 days ago, Kristen Weatherall
Pretend play “USA Space Station” center in a preschool classroom with a toy control panel, telescope, and space-themed decorations for dramatic play.
Preschool student wearing a handmade cardboard jetpack during a space-themed learning activity in the classroom.
Child standing inside a white toy rocket in a preschool classroom dramatic play area designed for a space exploration theme.
Classroom wall display showing a solar system learning activity at Clinton ABC Preschool. Children’s handmade planets are displayed above posters of the sun and each planet in the solar system.

Calling all Special Education Teachers... DATE ADDED!!!!
This full-day professional development session supports Special Education teachers in proactively writing high-quality, compliant IEPs before the busy spring season. Participants will learn how to use Atlas and DLM data in conjunction with other forms of data to make data-driven decisions, develop well-rounded PLAAFPs, and write clear, measurable goals aligned to student needs. The session also emphasizes effective collaboration with IEP team members and families to ensure data, input, and instructional priorities are accurately reflected. Teachers will leave with practical strategies and tools to streamline the IEP process while improving quality, confidence, and consistency.

Tuesday, 3/10 - Register Here

Tuesday, 3/17 - Register Here

Friday, 4/3 - Register Here

about 1 month ago, Laura Watford
Special Education PD Opportunity: Data Driven IEP Development DATE ADDEDD Tuesday March 10 Tuesday March 17 Friday March 3 IEP I encourage Progress
⭐️Dinner, Door Prizes, and More! There is still time to register!
about 1 month ago, Kristen Weatherall
Flyer for Arkansas Children’s Week 2026 workshop “Learning Comes Alive Outdoors” for early childhood educators in Plummerville on March 12 from 6–8 PM.
Big things are happening at Southside Bee Branch Preschool. From joyful classrooms to intentional instruction, this team is doing the work that matters most. When educators are committed to growing their impact, children feel it. And you can feel it here!
about 1 month ago, Kristen Weatherall
Teacher sitting on a colorful classroom rug reading a book to preschool children during circle time. Educational posters about number formation and life cycles are displayed on the wall behind her.
Dramatic play center labeled “ABC Pet Shop” with stuffed animals, a toy cash register, and adoption certificates set up for imaginative play.
Tabletop literacy activity with uppercase letter cards and a tray of fine motor materials including pom-poms, yarn, feathers, and play dough tools.
Young child working independently at a table using a counting board with numbered squares and small manipulatives for early math practice.
Teacher and young student sitting closely together on a classroom rug, smiling while reviewing a lesson binder during one-on-one instruction.
Preschool child engaged in hands-on learning, arranging small wooden logs and toy frogs on a mat as part of a nature-based play activity.
Partnering with North Little Rock School District teachers has been a joy. They are doing incredible work for students. From planning, analyzing data, and co-teaching, we are thankful for this opportunity.
about 1 month ago, Jennifer McMahan
Teacher at the front of the room doing a Morphology lesson on the board with her students
Teacher at the front of the room helping students to break down the word noctambulist
Teacher holding chart at the front of the room with his to break down a writing prompt
Teacher sitting looking at data and developing lessons for her students
Principal sitting coaching another teacher
Arch Ford was honored to host Dr. Corrales from Fueling Brains during his recent visit to our region. He had the opportunity to visit incredible schools, see Nurturing Minds in action, and connect with teachers and leaders who are intentionally building executive function skills in their classrooms. What he saw was powerful. Executive function matters, and our educators are leading the way! We are proud of the work happening across our cooperative and grateful for this meaningful partnership.
about 2 months ago, Kristen Weatherall
for professional educators forward facing posed in front of the B branch school district sign
Child standing at a table with a feeling brain tray working on a math activity
Child sitting at a table working on a feeling brains tray that is a math activity with numbers and buttons
professional educator sitting at a table working in a small group with two children
teacher standing, showing another educator something on a computer screen
A shelf with the nurturing minds trays on them
Watching ArPEP educators in action is a powerful reminder that passion and perseverance make a difference everyday. We are proud of the impact they are making on Arkansas schools!
about 2 months ago, Jennifer McMahan
Teacher helping students at their desks
Teacher supporting small groups of students working on a project
These three ladies have teamed up (with a little emotional support from Archie) to begin the work of establishing a common language for behavior expectations at Shirley Elementary. They will continue this work throughout the spring semester so they will be prepared as a staff to begin the 2026-2027 school year. We are so proud of their work, and it's only just beginning!
about 2 months ago, Bethany Hill
teachers collaborating
teachers collaborating
Elementary and middle school counselors from the region recently met at Arch Ford to collaborate, network, and learn together. They had kid talks, shared ideas about mentoring and check in systems, and learned more about collaborative problem solving with students.
about 2 months ago, Bethany Hill
school counselors networking
school counselors networking
school counselors networking
school counselors networking
school counselors networking
school counselors networking
school counselors networking

Using Evaluation Results to Guide Service Design and IEPs: Target Audience - Building Level Admin & Special Education Teachers

This half-day professional development session focuses on analyzing data from initial and three-year reevaluation results or reports to better understand the whole child and guide effective IEP development and service design. Participants will learn how to translate evaluation data into meaningful decisions related to PLAAFPs, goals, accommodations, and services. Teachers and administrators will leave with a clearer, shared understanding of how evaluation data drives compliant, student-centered planning.

Wednesday, March 18 - Register Here

Wednesday, April 8 - Register Here

Applying Evaluation Data to IEP Development: Guided Work Session: Target Audience - Special Education Teachers

This half-day guided work session is designed for teachers who attended the original evaluation data PD. Participants will apply learning by working directly with data from initial and three-year reevaluation results or reports to strengthen PLAAFPs, align measurable goals, and refine IEP components. Support will be available to clarify expectations and ensure alignment between evaluation data, student needs, and service design.

Wednesday, March 18 - Register Here

Wednesday, April 8 - Register Here

about 2 months ago, Laura Watford
Using Special Ed Evaluation Results Three Hour AM; to make big decisions; calling all admin and sped teachers; Wednesday, 3/18 Wednesday 4/8; Applying Special Ed Evaluation Results Three Hour PM; directly to ieps; workday flow calling all sped teachers

Calling all Special Education Teachers...
This full-day professional development session supports Special Education teachers in proactively writing high-quality, compliant IEPs before the busy spring season. Participants will learn how to use Atlas and DLM data in conjunction with other forms of data to make data-driven decisions, develop well-rounded PLAAFPs, and write clear, measurable goals aligned to student needs. The session also emphasizes effective collaboration with IEP team members and families to ensure data, input, and instructional priorities are accurately reflected. Teachers will leave with practical strategies and tools to streamline the IEP process while improving quality, confidence, and consistency.
2/24 - Register Here
3/10 - Register Here
4/3 - Register Here

about 2 months ago, Laura Watford
Special Education PD Opportunity: Data Driven IEP Development Tuesday Feb 24 Tuesday March 10 Friday March 3 IEP I encourage Progress
9-12 counselors, (or 7-12 if you are configured as such) we hope you join us for this day of collaboration for high school counselors across the region. We will take a deep dive into life skills that enhance student success plans, goal setting, career pathways, graduation requirements, and have protected time to network and learn from other counselors across the region. Come with your ideas, struggles, questions, and celebrations! Register here---> https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=573208
2 months ago, Bethany Hill
promo image
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative hosted a three-day CLASS Observer Training designed to prepare early childhood providers to become certified CLASS observers. Facilitated by Kristen Weatherall, Dayna Lewis, and Melinda McFerron, participants engaged in in-depth learning around the CLASS domains, dimensions, and indicators, building the knowledge and observation skills needed to reliably assess classroom interactions and successfully complete the CLASS certification process.
3 months ago, Kristen Weatherall
professional educators at tables with learning materials, observing video evidence of class domains.
professional educators, seated at tables, observing a preschool classroom via video evidence
professional educators, who facilitated the training posed facing forward with emotional support dog.
professional educators, seated at tables practicing the coding process of class observations.
professional educators, seated at tables with class materials, practicing the coding process for class observations
professional educators, seated at tables with class materials, practicing the coding process for class observations.
professional educators, seated at tables watching a preschool classroom via video practicing the coding process for class observations.
🌟 BIG NEWS, EARLY CHILDHOOD FRIENDS! 🌟
We’re launching another CLASS Observer Training!
Ready to deepen your understanding of high-quality teacher–child interactions? Join us at Arch Ford for Pre-K CLASS Observer Training on January 13–15, 2026! This FREE 18-hour training is led by Kristen Weatherall, Dayna Lewis, and Melinda McFerron.

👉 Register: https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=571667
4 months ago, Kristen Weatherall
This is a flyer about an upcoming CLASS certification course.Ready to deepen your understanding of high-quality teacher–child interactions? Join us at Arch Ford for Pre-K CLASS® Observer Training on January 13–15, 2026! This FREE 18-hour training is led by Kristen Weatherall, Dayna Lewis, and Melinda McFerron. Only 15 seats available.
🎉✨ Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative is celebrating 50 Years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)! ✨🎉

Today, November 29, marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of IDEA — a landmark law that transformed education by ensuring that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

For five decades, IDEA has opened doors to inclusion, opportunity, and lifelong success — empowering millions of students, families, and educators to dream bigger and achieve more. 💛

At Arch Ford, we are proud to honor this milestone and to recognize the teachers, families, advocates, and students who make the promise of IDEA come alive every day. Here’s to 50 years of progress — and to an even brighter, more inclusive future for all learners! 💫

#IDEA50 #ArchFordProud #InclusionMatters #SpecialEducation #EveryStudentEveryDay #CelebratingProgress#ArchFordGrows
4 months ago, Laura Watford
Arch Ford Educational Cooperative IDEA 1975 - 2025 Celebrating 50 Years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act