Kids First in Magnolia

Our clinic in Magnolia serves nearly 60 children from birth through age five in Colombia County and surrounding counties with special needs. We employ around 30 staff and contractors from local communities.  Our building has six treatment rooms, a large indoor playroom, nurses’ station, kitchen and administrative offices for our staff.

The clinic director is Kim Cox, RN, CCHC.

The History of Our Clinic

While looking at Arkansas geographic and statistical information, UAMS Kids First administration realized that in Magnolia, there were no clinic-based Services available for children from birth to 3 years old.  Considering the area’s services, there was certainly a need that UAMS Kids First could fill.

Searching for a clinic site proved to be challenging but a small building that formerly housed a developmental disabilities program was decided upon, furniture was moved in and staff began preparing their rooms.

The clinic prospered in this location until a larger building was renovated near the hospital. After 3 years in this location, the clinic was able to move to a newly constructed facility in 2008.

UAMS Kids First Magnolia works in cooperation with local, area and state colleges to provide observation and training to nursing, early childhood and special education students.

Evaluation for enrollment at Kids First requires a referral from the child’s primary care physician.

Through the intake process, our interprofessional team of early childhood professionals, occupational, speech, and physical therapists, dietitians, and nurses works with families to conduct evaluations and collect information regarding the child and family’s strengths and needs. Results from the assessments are reviewed by the Kids First team to determine eligibility for services.