First Connections Arkansas

First Connections is Arkansas’s early intervention program for babies and toddlers (birth to age 3).

It doesn’t just help identify delays—it actually provides therapy and developmental services early, when they can make the biggest difference.

For many families, this can be a way to access services that might otherwise be difficult to get or afford through traditional outpatient therapy.

The program is part of a federal law (IDEA) that ensures young children have access to support during critical early years of development.

Quick Summary

  • For children birth to age 3

  • Helps with developmental delays and medical conditions

  • Services often provided in the home or daycare

  • Includes speech, occupational, physical, and developmental therapy

  • No diagnosis required to start

On this page

What is First Connections?

First Connections is Arkansas’s early intervention program for babies and toddlers (birth to age 3). It provides therapy and developmental support for children who may not be meeting milestones or who have medical conditions that could impact development.

Services are typically provided in your home or your child’s daycare so your child can learn in a familiar environment.

Who Qualifies?

There isn’t just one way to qualify, which is a good thing.


Your child may be eligible if they:

  • Have a diagnosed condition (like prematurity, Down syndrome, or a genetic disorder)

  • Are showing delays in speech, movement, or social skills

  • Or if there are simply concerns about development

You don’t need a diagnosis to get started—an evaluation will help determine eligibility.

What Services Are Provided?

Depending on your child’s needs, services may include:

  • Speech therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Physical therapy

  • Developmental therapy

Each plan is individualized, so your child receives support based on their specific needs.

How To Get Started?

Getting started is easier than most families expect:

  • A referral is made (you can refer your own child)

  • Your child completes an evaluation

  • If eligible, a plan (IFSP) is created

Services begin

 

What Happens After Age 3?

First Connections ends at age 3, but support doesn’t stop there.

Your child may transition to:

  • School-based therapy through your local school district

  • Outpatient therapy services

  • Other community programs

Planning for this transition happens before your child turns 3.

Why many families start here

For many families, First Connections is the first step into therapy services.

It helps you get answers, start support early, and access services that might otherwise feel difficult to navigate or afford.

Like many programs, there can be processes and requirements that take time, and not every provider participates. Because of that, some families find they need to explore additional therapy options as their child’s needs grow.

As your child gets older, you may transition to other services or funding sources that allow for more flexibility or frequency of therapy.

Starting here doesn’t solve everything—but it gives you a place to begin and helps you better understand what your child needs.

Real Life Tip

If you’re on the fence about whether to make a referral, go ahead and do it.

You don’t have to have everything figured out first. First Connections can help you understand what’s going on and what your child may need, even if you don’t end up using the program long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a diagnosis to qualify?

No. A referral and evaluation are enough to get started.

Most services happen in your home or your child’s daycare.

Insurance or Medicaid may be used, but services are not denied based on ability to pay.

Parents, doctors, therapists, or caregivers can all make a referral.

The frequency of services varies based on your child’s individual needs and what is recommended during the evaluation process.

For many families, services may be less frequent than traditional outpatient therapy, and sessions often focus on coaching parents and caregivers on how to support development throughout daily routines.

If your child needs more frequent or intensive therapy, you may explore additional services or funding options as your child grows.

Helpful Resources

Families exploring First Connections may also find these resources helpful.

Related Programs on Real Life Resources

Official Information and Next Steps

These links take you to official websites where you can learn more or start the referral process.

External links open in a new tab.