Arkansas

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters
  Arkansas' experiences a variety of weather that complements its lush, rolling landscapes. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the low 90s, while winters are generally mild, averaging between 30°F and 50°F. The state experiences a variety of severe weather events, with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding, and extreme heat posing the greatest risks. They also experience occasional winter ice storms, which are more notable because they can cause significant disruption to areas unaccustomed to prolonged freezing weather.
  
  Tornados
  
  Arkansas peak tornado season runs from March to May, with an average of 37 tornadoes occurring statewide each year. While many are weak, some can be severe, making preparation essential. If you hear a siren outside of a test, immediately seek shelter in a storm shelter, basement, or interior room away from windows. Keeping an emergency kit with food, water, and essential supplies is crucial. Tornado sirens in Arkansas are tested every Wednesday at noon, depending on the county.
  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you and your family can be prepared and act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.
  
  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
• Neighbourhoods
  Cities: Little Rock
  
  Little Rock is located approximately 17 miles southwest of Little Rock Air Force base. Jacksonville is located adjacent to Little Rock AFB and may provide even more convenient access and a shorter commute to base.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.
   
• Little Rock Air Force Base
  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below.
  
  Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to Little Rock Air Force Base.

  • Little Rock Air Force Base offers a commissary, exchange, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Amenities include a fitness center, bowling alley, swimming pool, youth center, and child development center. The base also provides recreational activities, sports courts, and family support services. For the most updated information on Little Rock AFB MWR facilities and services > visit Little Rock AFB Outdoor Recreation

   
• Getting Around
  Getting around Little Rock is mostly car-dependent, with major highways like I-30, I-40, and I-430 providing easy access across the city. Be prepared for rush hour congestion, especially downtown and around the River Market District.
• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
  The 19th Medical Group at Little Rock Air Force Base provides comprehensive medical care to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
• Critters & Wildlife
  Arkansas is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Western Diamondback rattlesnake and cottonmouth, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded areas. The state also has insects like fire ants and occasional encounters with black bears in more rural areas. Compared to Canada, Arkansas has a wider range of reptiles and insects, so routine pest control is recommended to manage mosquitoes, termites, and other pests that thrive in the humid climate.
• Children's Education
  There are several public schools along with a few charter schools within a 25-mile radius of Little Rock.

  • Little Rock School District
  • Pulaski County Special School District
  • North Little Rock School District
  • Bryant School District
  • Benton School District

  Charter Schools
  LISA Academy is a public charter school system in Arkansas that offers an academically rigorous college preparatory program with a strong emphasis on STEM education. The academy operates multiple campuses, including those in the Little Rock area. For military families stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, LISA Academy's commitment to supporting military children, combined with its strong academic programs, makes it a noteworthy educational option. LISA Academy does offer French Language classes, clubs and cultural festivals as part of its extracurricular activities. While not a full immersion program, these classes provide students with exposure to the French language and culture. Participation in some courses is based on a selection process or tryouts.
  
  It is highly recommended that you utilize your installation’s School Liaisons, who are available to offer valuable information on local school districts, serve as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and provide expert consultation on educational matters.
  
  Click here for School Liaison Program information for Little Rock Air Force Base. To find the most updated contact information for a School Liaison Program visit Military One Source Program and Services Contacts and select School Liaison Program and your location.
• Childcare
  Child Development Centers
  Child development centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care and respite care. Child development centers vary in size and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Defense Department and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children
  
  For a full list of all military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, Childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps – visit MilitaryChildCare.com. Here you can enter in your location or Military installation and find a comprehensive list of all Childcare programs as well as initiate a request for childcare through child development centers, school-age care programs and DOD certified family childcare providers.
  
  Additional Child and Development-related resources:

  • Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers
  • Birth to Five watch me Thrive is a podcast from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Early Childhood Development provides information for parents about celebrating milestones, the importance of health screenings, how to identify delays and early concerns and how to provide developmental supports for children.
  • Exceptional Family Member Program works with other community and military agencies to make sure military parents have the early intervention services their infants and toddlers need.
  • Thrive — a free, online parenting program that promotes positive parenting, stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.
  • The Military Child Education Coalition is a nonprofit organization that promotes partnerships and provides for networking of military installations and their supporting school districts. 
  • The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is designed to make transitions smooth for families moving to a new duty station. 
  • Military K-12 Partnership between the DOD and the Department of Defense Education Activity, has all of the services working with educators and administrators across the nation to provide quality education for all children of military families. 
  • Exceptional Family Member Program can help families navigate the DOD’s network of services and support if they have a child with a disability or special need.
  • The MWR Digital Library is a free, online resource for service members and their families that offers a wide variety of activities and materials for all ages. 
  • Sesame Workshop has various toolkits to help military families with young children handle the challenges of military life.
  • Military OneSource education consultants provide one-on-one, free and confidential services. These consultants can provide referrals to in-home tutors and tutoring centers in their area as well as public and private school information. They enable parents to speak to specialists with various areas of expertise. They include the New MilParent specialty consultation, designed for expectant parents and parents of children up to the age of 5 which provides support for a wide range of parenting issues
• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.