137 First Steps

www.firststeps.IN.gov

What is it?

First Steps is a local system that provides early intervention services to babies and children (birth – 3yrs) who are experiencing developmental delays. It is available in every county in Indiana!

Who is eligible?

Families are eligible to participate in First Steps if they have a child between the ages of birth to three years old who are experiencing developmental delays, and/or have a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay

How to get in?

Families will either be referred to the First Steps program by their doctor, or they may be “self-referrals” and contact First Steps on their own if they are concerned about their child’s development.

Once there, families will schedule an initial assessment and evaluation that is paid for by First Steps. The multidisciplinary team, including parents/caregivers, will get together and then identify any developmental delay or disability, as well as recommend services that may benefit your child.

Parents will then discuss with their service coordinator what services they need, what resources are available in the community, and what their goals will be. This information will be recorded into an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) which will plan and guide services. This will include major goals for the child, how progress will be measured, and what services will be provided, along with the location and duration of those services. It will also include methods of payment and the transition plan upon the child’s third birthday.

Services available:

• Assistive technology
• Audiological services
• Developmental therapy
• Family education, training and counseling
• Health services
• Medical services
• Nursing services
• Nutrition services
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Psychological services
• Services coordination
• Social work services
• Special instruction
• Speech therapy
• Transportation
• Vision services

Other services are individualized services or supplies not covered elsewhere, which have been requested and justified by the IFSP team and receive prior approval from the state.