First Step Arkansas

11/01/2025

💛 Why Inclusion in Preschool Matters
Children with disabilities deserve to learn alongside their peers—and it benefits everyone!

• Builds empathy and understanding in all students
• Encourages language, play, and communication
• Provides structure and individualized supports

See how First Step promotes inclusion every day:
www.firststeparkansas.com/benefits-of-inclusive-preschool/

10/31/2025

A huge thank-you to our friends at the Hot Springs Fire Department for visiting our preschool today!

Our preschoolers had a blazing good time exploring the fire truck, meeting real firefighters, and learning all about fire safety. We’re so grateful to our community heroes for making learning safe and fun! ❤️🔥

They even took the time to check out our Fire Department Pumpkin Pageant display!

City of Hot Springs, Arkansas Government

10/30/2025

👣 What Happens in an Early Childhood Screening?
Curious about what to expect when you schedule a developmental screening?

Here’s how we help families take the first step:
• Review of your child’s communication, movement, and social skills
• Observations from licensed therapists and educators
• Simple activities your child can do at home or school

Start here:
www.firststeparkansas.com/what-to-expect-during-a-developmental-screening/

10/28/2025

🎃 Family Pumpkin Paint Party Fun!

We had a fantastic turnout at our Fordyce center for this year’s Family Pumpkin Paint Party! Families enjoyed decorating pumpkins, creating “thumbkin” patch art, making leaf art, and receiving child identification safety kits.

Thank you to everyone who joined in on the fall fun! 🍁 Check out all the photos at the link below!

View my photos at: https://firststep.smugmug.com/Fordyce/FordycePumpkin25/n-Fw5Xgxw

Fordyce Family Pumpkin Paint Party 2025

10/28/2025

🛎️ What Happens After You Call Us?
Worried about your child’s development? Here’s what happens when you reach out to First Step:

• Free developmental screening
• Help navigating referrals and paperwork
• Individualized therapy and preschool placement

We make it simple for you to get the help your child needs.
More info here:
www.firststeparkansas.com/early-intervention-near-me-how-do-i-find-services/

10/28/2025

First Step Preschool Enrollment is Open!

Every child deserves a strong foundation — and it all begins here.
We focus on learning through play, social connection, and individualized support to help every child reach their full potential.

Visit https://www.firststeparkansas.com/contact for more info.

10/28/2025

Dr. Sara Brown, Director of Marketing, recently accepted a Giving Tree Grant from the Hot Springs Community Foundation!

The funds are being used to update our Sensory Therapy Gym, creating a more engaging and therapeutic space for the individuals we serve.

We’re so thankful to the Hot Springs Community Foundation for supporting our mission and helping make a difference in our community! 💙

10/26/2025

Speech delays are common—but early support is key.

Watch for:
• No words by 18 months
• Limited vocabulary or hard-to-understand speech after age 2
• Frustration during communication

Speech therapy can help close the gap.
Read more:
www.firststeparkansas.com/when-to-seek-speech-therapy-for-your-child/

10/25/2025

🎓 Preschool With a Purpose
Our developmental preschool isn’t just childcare—it’s early education designed for children with special needs.

Here’s what makes it special:
• Certified teachers and licensed therapists
• Focus on communication, play, and functional skills
• Transportation and healthy meals included

Explore the difference:
www.firststeparkansas.com/what-is-a-developmental-preschool/

10/24/2025

Our First Step Strikers Bowling Team is prepping for the Special Olympics Area 10 Bowling Tournament! They will hit the lanes at Professor Bowl in Little Rock on November 13. We cannot wait to see those smiles, strikes, and team spirit! 🎳

10/23/2025

🚨 We’re Hiring a Kitchen Manager! 🚨
Love food, leadership, and teamwork? We want you on our team in Fordyce, AR! 🍽

As our Kitchen Manager, you’ll lead a great crew, make a real impact, and enjoy a Monday–Friday schedule (no nights or weekends 🙌).

You’ll:
👩‍🍳 Oversee kitchen operations & food safety
📦 Manage inventory and keep things running smoothly
🧑‍🏫 Train and inspire your team
🤝 Help create a positive, efficient, and fun work environment

What we offer:
✅ Great hours (Monday–Friday)
✅ Full benefits — health, vision, dental, paid time off, and 401(k) match
✅ A workplace where your contributions make a difference every day!

📍 Location: Fordyce, AR
Ready to lead with purpose? Apply today and join our family! ❤️

To learn more, visit www.firststeparkansas.com/jobs

10/23/2025

🧠 What Does a Developmental Delay Look Like?
Every child grows at their own pace—but some signs may indicate it’s time to seek support:

• Limited speech or no babbling by 12 months
• Difficulty with motor skills (like crawling or sitting)
• Trouble following simple instructions
• Lack of social eye contact or interest in others

Learn when to take the first step:
www.firststeparkansas.com/what-is-a-developmental-delay/