A Growing Commitment to Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Health in Northwest Arkansas
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| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) continues to expand its mission to improve health outcomes for Arkansas’ children through its pediatric developmental and behavioral health programs in Northwest Arkansas. Through strategic growth, collaborative partnerships and a deep commitment to accessible, family-centered care, UAMS is creating new pathways for early intervention and developmental support for young patients and their families.
Here’s an in-depth look at two key UAMS Health services in Springdale, made possible by the generous support of the Schmieding Foundation.
At the purpose-built Children’s Center for Health and Wellness in Springdale, just across the parking lot from Arkansas Children’s Northwest, the Schmieding Developmental Center and Schmieding Kids First (both programs of the Department of Pediatrics in the UAMS College of Medicine) are united under one mission: to empower children with medical, developmental or emotional challenges and support their families. With state-of-the-art facilities, three playgrounds and a holistic philosophy, these clinics stand as beacons of care and hope for Northwest Arkansas. The play areas — sized for infants, preschoolers and older children — are carefully designed for safety, inclusivity and developmental engagement.
A Unique Day-Treatment Model
At the heart of early childhood services in the region is Schmieding Kids First, which offers a rare, integrated day treatment program for children from six weeks to kindergarten age. The program blends medical care, developmental therapy and early intervention in a warm, child-friendly environment.
Each child receives a personalized care plan that includes nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy and early childhood development services — all delivered during the child’s day at the clinic. About 40 children are currently enrolled.
“Kids First is unlike anything else in our service portfolio,” said Erin Bright, M.Ed, MBA, senior director of programs. “It’s immersive, it’s tailored, and for many families, it’s life changing.”
Statewide Collaboration, Local Impact
Both the Schmieding Developmental Center in Springdale and the James L. Dennis Developmental Center in Little Rock are part of the broader UAMS Health statewide system. These programs receive referrals from across Arkansas — particularly for autism evaluations and developmental diagnostics — and often face wait times of up to a year.
To address this, UAMS is strategically aligning the centers to centralize triage and reduce wait times. Families in Northwest Arkansas and even in Fort Smith or parts of the Arkansas River Valley, for example, may be closer to the Springdale facility than to Little Rock and can now be seen sooner and closer to home.
“This alignment helps ensure no child is waiting longer than necessary for care,” Bright said. “We’re making services more accessible across the state.”
A major milestone for the Schmieding Developmental Center was the addition of Matt Deel, M.D., one of only a few developmental-behavioral pediatricians in the state — and the only one currently practicing in Northwest Arkansas. Deel brings a critical skill set to the region, offering services that previously required families to travel to Little Rock or beyond.
Alongside him is Julie Thibodaux, APRN, a pediatric nurse practitioner who joined the team in February. Her presence further expands the center’s ability to serve local families with timely, specialized care. These additions not only benefit patients but also open up new training opportunities for medical students and pediatric residents.
A Hub for Training Future Providers
Beyond patient care, the programs serve as a vibrant training ground for future health care professionals. UAMS Kids First and the Schmieding Developmental Center maintain placement agreements with 32 colleges and universities across four states, training students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology and nursing.
Pediatric medical residents also complete rotations at Kids First to learn about early intervention in Arkansas, which has a system that differs from many other states. Additionally, Deel has recently begun hosting third-year medical students for pediatric developmental clinical experiences, further enhancing educational opportunities in the region.
Access Made Simple
Families interested in Kids First services can self-refer, with staff assisting them through insurance and referral requirements. For the Schmieding Developmental Center, referrals can come from primary care physicians, local mental health providers or outside therapy agencies. Regardless of the pathway, the intake teams help families navigate the process to begin care quickly and smoothly.
With expanded services, growing staff and a clear focus on accessibility, UAMS’ pediatric developmental and behavioral health programs in Northwest Arkansas are setting a new standard for how and where children receive care in the state.
“These programs are designed to serve not only children but also to train the next generation of providers,” Bright said. “We’re excited about where we are and where we’re going.”
For more information about Schmieding Kids First, visit
For more information about the Schmieding Developmental Center, visit
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