Each family in the First Steps system is provided with a team of specialists who work with them.  Each team should look a little different, depending upon the needs of the child, and the priorities of the family.  As you think about who should be on your team, consider your concerns and priorities for your family and your child.  Work with your Intake Coordinator to identify specialists who will be able to address these issues with you.

The following services are available to our eligible children as appropriate:

• Service Coordination
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Physical Therapy (PT)
• Speech Language Therapy (SLP)
• Audiology
• Nutrition
• Developmental Therapy (DT)
• Social Work Services
• Vision Services
• Nursing
• Psychological Services
• Medical Services
• Assistive Technology
• Transportation

Service Definitions:

Service Coordination

The Service Coordinator serves as the primary contact for the family to access services for their child.  They work as a case manager to coordinate services for the eligible child to work toward the goals outlined in the IFSP.  The Service Coordinator also will assist the family to make informed decisions regarding cost participation, health insurance coverage, family rights, or changes in services.

The Service Coordinator communicates with all members of the team to set meeting dates and times.  They will ensure that the family is meeting all requirements as outlined by the state for the First Step program.

Finally, they will ease the child and their family through the transition process to other programs as they turn three, move or no longer qualify for services.  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills such as feeding, dressing, finger and pre-writing activities.  Developmental skills related to sensory integration, coordination of movement, fine motor skills, and self-help skills are generally addressed through occupational therapy.  Adaptive devices or equipment can help the child in some of these activities. 

Physical Therapy

Difficulty with gross motor activities such as the ability to move and effectively use the arms and legs qualify as physical therapy concerns.  Physical disabilities related to the use of muscles, joints and nerves would be addressed by a physical therapist.  Adaptive devices or physical aids can help the child with mobility.  Some typical milestones that Physical Therapists work on are rolling over, sitting up, trunk control, walking, jumping, etc.

Speech Language Therapy

Speech language therapy helps to promote communication skills.  The speech language pathologist (SLP) works to improve expressive skills, which are ways your child communicates with you and receptive skills, which is what your child understands is being communicated to them.  The SLP may incorporate alternative communication approaches such as American Sign Language or assistive devices such as hearing aids or other adaptive equipment.

Audiology

Audiological services can identify if a child has a hearing loss, how significant this loss is and what it means for your child’s communication and general development.

Nutrition

Nutrition services encompass special feeding problems, diets, or unique nutritional issues related to a specific disability that would affect a child’s development.  A nutritionist can help to plan meals, work on food budgets and assist with accessing community programs related to nutritional concerns.

Developmental Therapy

Developmental therapy includes activities related to cognitive development to encourage age appropriate skills.  A developmental therapist (DT) incorporates all aspects of the child’s learning skills, such as communication techniques, social skills and the nature of their delay, to promote a learning rich environment.  The DT will work with parents to develop activities that can be utilized at home to reach developmental milestones.

Social Work Services

Social work services provide support for the family to locate and coordinate community services as they relate to the developmental needs of the eligible child.

Vision Services

Vision services focus primarily upon the identification of specific vision impairments, delays or abilities that affect your child’s overall development.

Nursing

Nursing services ensure that the medical and health needs of the child are being fulfilled.  The nurse may help to plan and carry out the various medical treatments to aid the child’s development as outlined in the IFSP.  A nurse can serve as a resource for information relating to a specific diagnosis, child rearing or health issues.  Finally, a nurse may assist you in obtaining any health services that may be needed.  

Psychological Services

Psychological services encompass various aspects of the child’s emotional and social environment that impede their ability to develop.  The psychologist may use assessment tools as a means of evaluating the child’s mental health, behavior and development and then interpret the results to formulate a treatment plan.

Medical Services

Medical services include some testing and consultations to determine eligibility for the First Steps program or to assist in the development of the IFSP.  Well baby checks, immunizations and prescriptions are not covered by First Steps.

Assistive Technology

Adaptations to equipment, utensils or toys to assist the child in their development or improve their functional capabilities are considered assistive technology devices.  Some examples include hearing aids, wheel chairs, bolsters and orthotics.

Transportation