Jennifer Ivy Named Director of UAMS Schmieding Kids First in Springdale
| UAMS Schmieding Kids First in Springdale has a new leader. Jennifer Ivy has stepped into the role of director, bringing nearly a decade of experience with the Kids First program and a career-long passion for early childhood development.
Ivy earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She began her career in education, teaching multiple grade levels in Texas and Missouri, before returning to Arkansas and joining Kids First in Searcy as an Early Childhood Development Specialist (ECDS).
Over her nine years with Kids First, Ivy has served in a variety of roles across the state, including clinic director at the Little Rock clinic. She later assisted with the Fort Smith clinic before transitioning to the Springdale clinic.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my background in education, early childhood development, and leadership to my work with UAMS Kids First,” Ivy said. “I have a passion for supporting children, families, and staff and helping create an environment where every child can thrive.”
About UAMS Schmieding Kids First
UAMS Schmieding Kids First is part of the Department of Pediatrics in the UAMS College of Medicine and serves Northwest Arkansas as one of 11 Kids First locations across the state. The program provides early intervention services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years who have developmental delays or other medical concerns.
Kids First operates as an integrated day-treatment program, meaning children receive medical care, developmental therapy, and early intervention services together during their day at the clinic. An interdisciplinary team — including occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and child development specialists — partners with families to build individualized care plans, helping each child develop the skills needed to reach their fullest potential.
The Springdale clinic operates out of the Children’s Center for Health and Wellness, alongside the Schmieding Developmental Center, and is supported by the generosity of the Schmieding Foundation. Together, the two programs serve children with medical, developmental, or emotional needs from across Northwest Arkansas and beyond, with many families traveling from as far as Fort Smith and the Arkansas River Valley for care.
Beyond direct patient care, Kids First also serves as a training site for students and pre-service professionals pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, education, and other health professions. Through placement agreements with dozens of colleges and universities, the program helps prepare the next generation of providers while advancing care for Arkansas’ children.
Families interested in Kids First services can self-refer, with staff available to help guide them through insurance and referral requirements.
For more information about Schmieding Kids First, visit uamshealth.com/location/schmieding-kids-first.