Funding for Respite Care is provided by Gainwell Technologies.
Respite Care Events
We want parents/guardians to have the opportunity to take a break, run errands, have a date, or even head home to sit in silence……whatever respite care means to you! Siblings are welcome, we just ask that you please fill out one form per child so we can plan activities and staffing accordingly!
SPOTS ARE LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL KIDDOS IN ATTENDANCE.
2025 SCHEDULE
(Ages 2-18)
Bryant
Larry’s Pizza
Saturday | 9-11:30AM
Feb 1*
*Registration deadline-Sunday, Jan 26th
Director: Glenda Diamond
littlemspro@yahoo.com
Asst. Directors: Jim Diamond & Valerie Diamond
Save the Dates: Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug 2, Sept 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6, (Jan 3, 2026)
Conway
Larry’s Pizza
Saturday | 9:30-11:30AM
Jan 25*
*Registration deadline-Sunday, Jan 19th
Co-Director: Carrie Grace Page
carriegpage.ot@gmail.com
Co-Director: Neiya Howell
nhowell2@cub.uca.edu
Asst. Directors: Sophia Lowe, Hailey Prince, Amber Denee Scott
Save the Dates: Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 12, May 10
Little Rock
Pediatrics Plus
Saturday | 1-4PM
Feb 8*
*Registration deadline-Sunday, Feb 2nd
Co-Director: Hallie Kennedy
halliekennedy44@gmail.com
Co-Director: Jayce Burney
jayceburney@gmail.com
Asst. Directors: Kimber Hageman, Madeline Freeman, Adryare Robinson, Kayleigh Yeager
Save the Dates: Mar 8, Apr 12, May 10, June 14, July 12
Mena
Dallas Ave. Baptist Church
Saturday | 12:30-3pm
Dates TBD
*Not currently meeting
Director: Kassidy Dahlem
kassidyyrose@gmail.com
Russellville
Pediatrics Plus
Saturday | 9-Noon
Jan 18*, Feb 22
*Registration deadline-Sunday, Jan 12th
Co-Director: Catie Brazil
catiebrazil@gmail.com
Co-Director: Sophie Young
sophieann5103@yahoo.com
Asst. Directors: Lydia Myrick, Cierra Hathorn, Kelsey Edwards, Haley Thomas
Save the Dates: Feb 22
Parent Respite Literacy Program
Community Connections has partnered with the Faulkner County Library to bring you the Parent Respite Literacy Program for families who have children with special needs. Parents/caregivers are invited to browse for books and enjoy a couple hours of down time while their children participate in multiple activities such as story time, crafts, & media center!
If your child is NOT potty trained, we ask you to stay on the library campus for any bathroom responsibilities. We do NOT have a certified nurse on staff during this program, and bathroom changes will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Conway | Faulkner County Library (1900 Tyler St)
Saturday | TBD | All Ages
TBD
*Registration closes TBD
Co-Director: Sharon Glenn
skglenn58@hotmail.com
Co-Director: Kensey Nichols
Community Connections Respite Care Training Program
The purpose of this respite care training program is to inform volunteers about Community Connections respite care experience, expectations, roles and responsibilities. This training is required prior to the respite care experience for volunteers interested in serving as a respite care provider. It is essential for you to be educated, trained, and confident in providing respite care services to families in the community. We hope this resource provides you with information that will be useful and interesting while serving as a Community Connections respite care provider.
Click the button below to begin and take a short quiz to finish.
Respite Care Training through the DHS website
Find the introduction to the training on the DHS website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/arkansas-lifespan-respite/lifespan-respite-training/.
The direct link to the training portal is: https://arkansas-respitecarewi.talentlms.com/. Once an individual completes the training and receives their certificate, they can submit the form on the Provider Search/Registry to have their name and details added. This allows caregivers across the state to search and find skilled respite care workers to hire. The Registry/Search Engine can be located at: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/arkansas-lifespan-respite/respite-worker-registry/
Additionally, the respite voucher program and applications are up and available for caregivers who need respite but cannot financially afford it. The voucher program allows $300 per voucher, and families can apply each quarter of the year- potentially receiving $1,200 in a full year. The website for the vouchers is: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/arkansas-lifespan-respite/apply-for-respite-voucher/
If you have any questions about the Respite Care Training through DHS please email Sarah Schmidt, Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance Deputy Director, at sarah.schmidt@dhs.arkansas.gov.