Within First Steps, there are several points at which you may experience a change.  For instance, as a parent, you may have recently discovered your child is eligible for the program and you are beginning the intake (entrance) process.  Perhaps, you are already participating in the program and your child’s services have been adjusted. Still maybe, your child has just turned three and is moving from First Steps to preschool.   Whatever, your position or situation, change is a reality that often sparks feelings of anxiety and stress in us.  At First Steps, our goal is to support and partner with you in the midst of change so that children reach their full potential with minimal stress to you.  In this program, transition usually occurs within one of the following three phases:

Our experience with First Steps  was one of the best things for my son.  He learned to walk and do sign language.  Now he is successful in school. - JW

• Into- refers to those initial activities to get a child entered into the program such as contacting First Steps representatives, scheduling an intake meeting, evaluation and developing an individualized family service plan (IFSP), selecting therapists, etc. You will primarily work with an intake coordinator during this phase. After the initial IFSP is in place, you will begin working closely with your service coordinator and ongoing therapists throughout the remainder of your participation in the First Steps program. 

• Through- refers to those activities that will continue to promote developmental progress in your child. Some activities through the program that will occur on a regular basis to help monitor, track, and plan for continual developmental improvement are evaluations, annual IFSP meetings, a minimum of at least quarterly visits with your service coordinator to discuss what you have observed and any concerns that you may have, etc.

• Out- refers to those activities taking place as a child prepares to exit the First Steps system. This will include participating in a transition meeting to discuss options outside of First Steps, getting evaluated or sharing information with preschools to determine the services your child will need (if any) when they leave the system, as well as other activities designed to prepare you for life after First Steps.

Your local System Point of Entry (SPOE) and Local Planning and Coordinating Council (LPCC) are available to assist you in making those transitions as smoothly as possible. Your service coordinator will continually help you through every change you may encounter within the program. You will want to maintain open lines of communication regularly share your concerns and needs regarding your child with the service coordinator.