Pediatric Therapeutics
First Steps
First Steps is Indiana’s early intervention program that provides services to infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities.
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First Steps Early Intervention Services
First Steps is the name of Indiana’s Early Intervention program.
The goal of First Steps is to help Hoosier families make sure their infants and toddlers receive services now to help them in the future. Services through First Steps are designed to meet the developmental needs of the child. Some children may appear to be behind with speech progression, physical movements, or their attention span. Families with children ages birth to 3 years of age who are experiencing developmental delays and/or have a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay may be eligible for First Steps services.
Getting started with First Steps is an easy process that begins with a phone call to the Systems Point of Entry (SPOE) office 1 (800) 387-7837 or by completing the online referral form found at: First Steps | Referrals | Indiana (indianafirststeps.org). Once a referral is received, a First Steps Service Coordinator (SC) will contact the family within two business days. At that time, the SC will talk to the family about the First Steps program and the developmental concerns they may have for their child. The SC will schedule the First Steps Assessment Team (AT) to conduct an assessment at no cost to the family in the child’s home at a time convenient for the family. The Assessment Team, which consists of trained early intervention therapists, will evaluate the child in all developmental areas to determine whether First Steps services are warranted.
Kidworks therapists provide First Steps services. Families can request therapists from Kidworks. We would love to serve your family!
what to look for
Signs Your Child May Benefit from
First Steps Early Intervention Services
There are many reasons why you or your pediatrician may be concerned about your child’s development including:
Delayed Developmental Milestones
Your Child is Struggling to Get Their Needs and Wants Met
Your Child is Showing Signs of Sensory Seeking or Avoiding Behaviors
Your Child is Not Progressing With Self Care Activities (Dressing/Feeding/Play)
Your Child Has Difficulty Walking
Your Child Has a Strong Preference for Turning Their Head to One Side (Torticollis)
Your Child Has Limited Interest in Toys/Playing or a Limited Attention Span
Treatment
First Steps services through Kidworks occur in the child’s natural environment which is often his/her home. You, your Service Coordinator and the ongoing therapy providers (therapists) will determine the appropriate level of service necessary to make steady progress month. Your therapists will work with you and your child to learn new skills and strategies to help during the every day routines important to your family. Strategies and techniques will be demonstrated with opportunities for the caregiver to try these strategies and techniques during the session. By building knowledge and skills in the caregiver, stronger carryover can occur between sessions leading to faster and greater improvement in the child’s skills. At Kidworks we believe that parents and therapists working together results in the best outcomes for our clients.
Our Office Address
1120 S Calumet, Suite 3
Chesterton, IN 46304
Give Kidworks A Call
(219) 983-9675