First Steps
First Steps is Missouri’s Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities. The federal law governing First Steps is Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the lead state agency responsible for implementing the First Steps program. First Steps is a voluntary program that provides families the tools they need to help their child be successful.
The four main services First Steps provides are Special Instruction, Speech and Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Services are provided in the child’s natural environment (home or child care). Every family wants their child to grow and learn. First Steps is a support and service system designed to improve family capacity to enhance their child’s development and learning and to increase the child’s participation in family and community life.
Early intervention is about helping infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities develop important developmental milestones or skills, such as crawling, playing, talking, and eating, during their first three years. By bringing families together with early intervention specialists, families can learn new ways to encourage and support their child’s development within their daily activities.
First Steps Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQycgjHW6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
First Steps Brochure (English): https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/first-steps-general-informing-brochure-english
First Steps Brochure (Spanish): file:///C:/Users/Karen%20Suthers/Downloads/first-steps-general-informing-brochure-spanish_0%20(1).pdf
Welcome to First Steps Parent Video (English): https://player.vimeo.com/video/870430648?h=cbc6426ee6&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479
Welcome to First Steps Parent Video (Spanish): https://player.vimeo.com/video/870428846?h=e0bd5b0e0a&badge=0&autopause=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479
First Steps Eligibility Criteria: https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/early-intervention/first-steps/eligibility
Concerned about your child’s development – CDC Developmental Milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/families/concerned.html
Families can contact First Steps of Southwest Missouri by calling:
Toll Free: 866-583-2392
Local Office: 417-623-3243
CSS Early Learning Center
The CSS Early Learning Center is a state licensed facility that provides quality childcare for children from birth through 12 years. Services are provided to children with developmental delays, children with special needs, as well as typically developing children living in Jasper, Newton and McDonald counties. The CSS Early Learning Center accepts children from outside the Joplin Metro area if the parent provides transportation. Trained staff manage behavioral issues, tube feedings, seizure protocols, medication administration, and more.
ECSE Transportation - Staff actively participate in a child's transition to public school in Joplin, Carthage, Webb City and Carl Junction. Children attending half-day Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs in surrounding public schools may attend the CSS Early Learning Center for half-days.
Therapy - Children participating in the Missouri First Steps Program may have their therapy at the Center. On-site therapy services may be available including but not limited to behavior intervention services and special instruction.
CSS Early Learning Center will accept child care reimbursement from The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Section for Child Care Regulation.
For additional Information, contact the CSS Early Learning Center at 417-673-4940.
