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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 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 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 5.19.2023

First Steps Parental Rights 2023

First Steps Role in Decision Making 5.19.2023

First Steps timelines 5.19.2023

First Steps Transition 5.19.2023

FirstStepsPriorWrittenNotice 5.19.2023

First Steps Family Stakeholder Meetings. 

Are you a Parent or Guardian of a child participating in the Missouri First Steps program?  Your experience can help make a difference for ALL Missouri First Steps Families. Click the image below to learn how you can join.

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Family Stakeholder Mission:​
To obtain parent/guardian input that will assist the DESE First Steps staff in increasing awareness of services provided and improvement initiatives, such as family outcomes, childhood outcomes, and other topics of interest to families.​
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Meeting Format:​
Scheduled quarterly​
Limited to one hour or less, times chosen by participants Provide input and feedback on topics impacting families​
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Scan the QR code to visit the First Steps Parent Information page, containing important topics for parents. If you have any questions or would like to join the next stakeholder meeting, please contact the Early Intervention section at:
 
PHONE​
(573) 522-0045​
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EMAIL​
EarlyIntervention@dese.mo.gov

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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)-