FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AECA Update on the PDG Incentive Initiative
September 2, 2026
Thank you for the overwhelming response to the PDG Incentive Initiative. We are grateful for the important work you do every day on behalf of Arkansas children and families.
As of today, AECA has received approximately 2,850 applications across the incentive categories. Based on the volume of applications received and the limited amount of available funding, we have made the decision to close the PDG application portal effective immediately.
Closing the application period will allow our team to focus on reviewing and processing the applications already received while ensuring that available grant funds are administered responsibly and in accordance with program requirements.
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞:
• Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
• Applications must be complete, verifiable, and meet all published eligibility requirements.
• Applications are reviewed only after all documentation is received in accordance with the program guidelines and funding limitations.
• Funding is limited and available only until available grant funds are exhausted.
Applicants who have already submitted an application should continue to provide requested documentation within the 10 day window or respond to requests from AECA staff regarding their existing application. And we ask employers who receive an employment verification request by email to respond promptly so we can issue those approvals. But no new applications will be accepted effective today.
We appreciate your patience as we work through the unprecedented number of applications received. Due to the extraordinarily high volume, processing times may be longer than originally anticipated. As soon as we receive the funding from the state, we will begin mailing the first wave of incentive checks. So please bear with us.
Thank you for your dedication to Arkansas’s early childhood profession and for your interest in this initiative.
AECA Board & Staff
Recent Comments