Mays excited about opportunity

Debbie Mays of Siloam Springs was appointed to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission by Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Jan. 29.

Mays, who owns and operates Bright Beginnings Preschool with her husband Randy, will serve on the Commission through 2018 and represent family childcare providers.

The 25-member commission advises and supports the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, according to the website, humanservices.arkansas.gov. Commission members include physicians, education professionals, childcare providers, business people, parents and legislators.

Mays will be replacing Patricia Lucas, according to a press release from the governor's office. This will be her second time to serve on the Commission. She served one term that began eight years ago, she said.

In her role, Mays will advocate for the issues faced by family childcare providers. She will also be responsible for informing the people she represents and getting their opinions.

"I am passionate about early childhood education," Mays said. "This appointment gives me a voice on the state level to express concerns and be in discussions that matter to the children of Arkansas and the people that care for them. It also puts me in an amazing position to be an advocate for family child care homes."

Mays is president and founder of the Arkansas Family Childcare Association. Today's in-home childcare providers are sometimes overlooked and not considered a viable business, according to Mays. The providers run small businesses and are educated and passionate about what they do. They offer quality care and education for the children and families they serve.

"I am excited to represent the invisible work force that keeps America working," she said

Mays' journey toward appointment on the commission began last year when she attended the Kids Count Day at the Capitol in Little Rock. She spent the day talking to policy makers about legislation that affects the children of Arkansas and meeting with local legislators. Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R-Siloam Springs) introduced her to Rep. Bruce Cozart, the education committee chair, who worked to help her receive an appointment.

Bright Beginnings is an Arkansas Better Chance facility with a three star rating from Better Beginnings. Mays strives to provide developmentally appropriate care in a creative and fun environment with lots of parental involvement, she said.

"I absolutely love what I do," she said.