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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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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.

Online Training Resource Documents

First Steps Fact Sheets

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.​

Meeting Format:​
Scheduled quarterly​
Limited to one hour or less, times chosen by participants Provide input and feedback on topics impacting families​

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​

EMAIL​
EarlyIntervention@dese.mo.gov

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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.


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