Arkansas Department of Education (formerly DHS)
First Connections (Early Intervention, Part C)
Free early intervention for infants and toddlers (birth to 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Anyone, including parents, can refer.
Official websiteOfficial Path
Early ChildhoodBirth to 3
Who qualifies
- Age
- Birth through 2
- Needs
- Significant delay in cognitive, physical, communication, social/emotional, or adaptive development, or a qualifying diagnosis
- Income
- None - no cost to families
What it covers
- Service coordination
- Developmental evaluation
- Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
- Therapies (PT, OT, speech, developmental instruction)
- Transition planning at age 3
Timing
IFSP within 45 days of referral; services within 30 days of signing; transition plan finalized 90 days before 3rd birthday.
How to apply
- 1Submit a referral online or by phone (parent self-referral is fine)
- 2Intake conversation with a service coordinator
- 3Evaluation
- 4IFSP meeting within 45 days of referral
- 5Services begin within 30 days of signed IFSP
Verified from official documentsLast checked September 24, 2026
Sources
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