Visit the new Kids First website!
Kids First is a pediatric day health care program operated by UAMS Department of Pediatrics. Our target population is children ages 6 weeks to 4 years of age who have special health care needs.
Each Kids First center is under the medical direction of a developmental pediatrician who is a faculty member of the University of Arkansas College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics. Local staff includes a director, social worker, secretary, registered nurse, early childhood developmental specialists and child development aides. Either through staff or contract with local providers each center provides speech-language, occupational and physical therapy for those children needing these services. Through a consultation model, specialized testing, nutritional and audiological services are available as needed. Each patient has an individualized care plan that takes the concerns of parents, the strengths and weaknesses of the child, and all special needs into consideration to plan appropriate treatment.
Mission Statement
- Kids First is a comprehensive, early intervention program of excellence for infants and young children who are at risk for developmental delays due to medical concerns.
- The primary goal of preventive health care and long-term developmental achievement are addressed by a program that integrates medical and therapeutic components.
- Parents and Health Professionals become partners through a transdisciplinary approach. Together they work to achieve each child’s maximum potential.
- This partnership is strengthened by a provision of continuing education for professionals.
Additional community linkages are fostered by the CO-MEND program. Primary care physician referral is required.