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Early Childhood Program and Training

First Steps is Missouri’s Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers, birth to age 3, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities.

First Steps works with families by ensuring that coordinated services are provided as conveniently as possible. Participation in First Steps is voluntary and is intended to help families of children with disabilities:

  • Understand their child’s special needs
  • Obtain the help they desire to deal with situations that could interfere with their child’s growth and development.
  • Provide the best conditions for their child’s growth and development.

 

Call: 1-866-583-2392 to find your local office.

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Share Your Early Childhood Story

We invite Missouri First Steps families to share their stories about how early intervention services have enriched their lives. Your experiences can inspire and support other families on their journey.

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Learn More
First Steps Newsletters
Quarterly Publications
Steps To Success On-Demand Online Training
Register and start on-demand trainings for parents of children (0-3). Learn to navigate First Steps, boost advocacy skills, and prepare for Early Childhood Special Education.
Early Childhood Program and Training
Contents

Steps to Success On-Demand Online Trainings

This series of trainings was developed for parents of children, birth to age three. The trainings will help parents to understand the First Steps Program, teach them effective communication and advocacy skills, and help them to prepare for Early Child Special Education.

Understanding the IFSP

This workshop helps families of children in the First Steps program or in the process of being evaluated understand the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process and learn how to be an effective member of your team.
Click To Register

Family Record Keeping

This workshop is designed to help families understand the importance of keeping and organizing their child’s records. We will discuss what types of records and documentation are important for you to keep and why.
Click To Register

Communicating Your Child’s Needs

This workshop is designed to support families of young children who are new to the process of working with caregivers and providers on how to communicate effectively regarding your child and your child’s needs.
Click To Register

Your Parental Rights

This workshop explains the Parental Rights document that every First Steps families receives. It also helps families to understand what their right are and what their child’s rights are under Part C of the IDEA.
Click To Register

Making the Jump from IDEA Part C (infant and toddlers) to IDEA Part B (school-age)

This workshop is designed to help parents of young children make a smooth transition from an IFSP to an IEP. Learn when the transition process should begin, the difference in services and in eligibility criteria.
Click To Register

Online Training Resource Documents

First Steps Fact Sheets

First Steps Family Roles

First Steps Parental Rights

First Steps Role in Decision Making

First Steps timelines

First Steps Transition

First Steps Prior Written Notice

Educational Surrogate

Here’s what you should know:​

An Educational Surrogate is an impartial individual who fills the role of parent for a child with a disability whenever decisions are being made about the child’s evaluation and assessment, development and review of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), ongoing delivery of services and any other rights established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when there is no natural parent or other adult authorized to make decisions on behalf of the child.​

The purpose of being an Educational Surrogate:​

To act as a parent for a child with a disability when there is no authorized adult to make educational decisions under the IDEA.​

The benefit of being an Educational Surrogate:​

The Educational Surrogate has the same rights as a parent for the purpose of participation in the First Steps program. Serving as an Educational Surrogate costs nothing.​

The process of becoming an Educational Surrogate for the ​First Steps Program:​

Training is provided free of charge and all reasonable expenses are reimbursed according to DESE requirements. Individuals wanting to become a Part C Early Intervention (birth to 3) Educational Surrogate can visit DESE’s website or scan the QR code for steps to completing the application and training process.​

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Contact The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at 573-751-0699 or visit https://dese.mo.gov/educational-surrogate for more information.​

 


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Early Childhood Resources

Missouri Family Resources https://familyresources.mo.gov/

 

Missouri Early Care & Education Connections https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/

 

DESE’s Office of Childhood https://dese.mo.gov/childhood

 
Missouri Parent Education Program (PAT)-