First Connections
Services under the IDEA Part C
for Children Aged 3 to 5 years
Phone: 800-643-8258

Early intervention seeks to build functional, foundational skills to help infants/toddlers with a developmental delay or disability to be full, active participants in home and community life. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has established the following outcomes (or goals) for early intervention under IDEA Part C:

• Children have positive social relationships
• Children acquire and use knowledge and skills
• Children take appropriate action to meet their needs

In Arkansas, First Connections (FC) Early Intervention is under the direction of the Department of Education, Office of Special Education. FC is a federally funded program for families whose child is under the age of three and has a developmental delay or disability. This program provides services for infants and toddlers as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C.

Early intervention may begin at any time between birth and age three; however, when early intervention is needed, the earlier it is provided, the better the outcomes for the child and family. Supports provided under First Connections are aligned with each family’s unique situation, culture, language, resources, and priorities.