First Connections provides Early Intervention for children 0 to 3 years of age. A child does not have to have a specific diagnosis to be referred, only a suspected delay when a child has missed developmental milestones or has failed hearing or vision screening
Child find is a component of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities, from birth to 21, located within its jurisdiction who are in need of early intervention or special education services. Child find is an ongoing cooperative effort that involves state and local education agencies (LEAs), parents, the community, professionals, related organizations, and private schools. IDEA requires all states to have a “comprehensive child find system” to assure that all children who are in need of early intervention or special education services are located, identified, and referred. In Arkansas, the lead agency for Part C of IDEA Early Intervention Program (children birth to 3 years) is the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The lead agency for Part B/619 (children ages 3-21 years), is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Early Childhood Special Education Services
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) section is responsible for ensuring that a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is available and provided to all children with disabilities ages 3-5 in Arkansas. Any person who has knowledge of a child and suspects a delay in development, can make a referral to consider special education and related services.
Early Intervention Day Treatment (EIDT)
Children are eligible for enrollment in an EIDT program if they have a documented developmental disability or delay in at least 2 areas: motor, social, cognitive, self-help/adaptive, or communication. Services are provided year-round for children 0 to 6 years of age and over the summer for children 6 to 21 years.
The Office of Special Education and Federal Programs collaborates with local school districts, educational service cooperatives, and other state agencies to ensure that all children with disabilities (ages 3 to 21) in Arkansas receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Education Freedom Account program is a school choice initiative that provides funding for students in private or home school.
HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)
HIPPY is an early childhood education program designed to help parents prepare their preschool-aged children for academic success by providing them with educational materials and structured guidance. HIPPY Home-based Educators visit parents of 2, 3, 4, and 5-year-old children in the home once a week.
Arkansas Autism Partnership/Autism Waiver (ABA Therapy)
The Arkansas Autism Partnership is a Medicaid waiver program to provide ABA therapy for children between the ages of 18 months and 8 years. The child must be accepted into and begin the program before the 5th birthday to be eligible.
ABA Therapy – Forms for Patients with Medicaid
https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/DMS-641-ER.pdf
https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/DMS-641-TP.pdf
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
There are multiple centers across the state that provide therapies including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Please contact the DDC Family Navigators if you would like a list of providers in your county.