Infants & Toddlers
First Steps, Missouri’s Early Intervention system, is an important program for young children with developmental delays and their families. First Steps provides seventeen therapy services for children from birth up to 3 years old, with developmental disabilities or diagnosed conditions associated with developmental delays.
First Steps is:
- A voluntary program intended to help families understand their child’s special needs, obtain the help they desire, and provide the best conditions for their child’s growth and development.
- Offers coordinated services and assistance to young children with special needs and to their families.
- Ensures the family and child receive services in their natural environment, such as home and child care.
- Children are eligible for services if they exhibit a significant delay in one or more of the following developmental areas: cognition, communication, physical, social-emotional, and adaptive. Children may also be eligible if they have a diagnosed physical or mental condition associated with developmental delays or if the infant was born very premature.
Serving 10 counties in Southwest Missouri: Barton, Dade, Cedar, Vernon, St. Clair, Lawrence, Jasper, Newton, Barry, and McDonald.
Families can contact First Steps of Southwest Missouri by calling:
Toll Free: 866-583-2392
Local Office: 417-623-3243