What Is Early Intervention?

   Early Intervention is a combination of services, supports, and extra efforts aimed  at preventing or minimizing developmental delays in infants and toddlers.

  We now know that children between birth and age three grow, change, and develop faster than at any other time in a person’s life.  Special attention given to a child’s    development during this period has been found to make a life-long difference.      Early Intervention can equip parents with resources, skills, and support to make the most of their child’s early years.

 Who Is Eligible?

First Steps Early Intervention Services are for children under three years of age who:

 n Are delayed in their development in one or more areas;

n Have a diagnosed condition that often results in delayed development; or

n Are at risk of becoming delayed due to certain reasons related to pregnancy or delivery.

All Indiana children under three are  entitled to receive a free evaluation to determine  eligibility.

We Serve You By...

Ø talking with you and listening to your ideas about your family and child’s   future;

Ø working with you to find resources  and services in your community for your child and family;

Ø working with you to set goals for   your  child and family;

Ø offering home visit services to help you understand and encourage the growth, health, and development of your child;

Ø providing therapy services;

Ø providing referrals to other needed   services.

 If one or more of the following describes you or your baby, please call for a free evaluation:

¨ I’m not sure if my child is doing what   he/she should at this age.

¨ Baby weighed less than 3.3 pounds at birth.

¨ There were complications during       pregnancy or birth.

¨ Baby has had serious health problems.

¨ Mother drank, smoked, or used drugs  during  pregnancy.

¨ Baby was premature, 32 weeks or less.

What Parents Say About Our Services...

 “The staff value my input and listen closely to what I, as a concerned parent, have to say.  They help me deal more effectively with my children.”

 “I understand my son a lot better and can deal with his problems because I know what to look for.”

 “FRRS has helped my child come out of his shell.  I have learned ways to help my child learn at different stages.”

 “Home visits gives me the time to ask   questions about my child, and they give me information on agencies that are out there for assistance.”

 “We have come a long way.  We’re able to communicate better.  We are shown ways to work out problems (discipline).  We have a home now.”

 QUICK CHECK...

IF YOUR CHILD IS…

6 months old..........can he or she?

«  turn head to noises

«  sit by himself

«  hold an object in each hand

«  respond to voices

12 months old..........can he or she?

«  say mama and dada

«  play peek-a-boo

«  wave bye-bye

«  respond to name

«  walk with help

18 months old..........can he or she?

«  say names of people/relatives

«  point to hair, eyes, nose, and mouth

«  walk alone

«  imitate adults

«  play beside other children

«  use a spoon

2 years old..........can he or she?

«  drink from a cup

«  copy parent actions

«  point to named pictures

«  lead adult to what she wants

«  play with children

«  run

«  kick a ball

2 1/2 years old..........can he or she?

«  recognize boy and girl

«  talk with 3-4 word sentences

«  jump

«  give name on request

«  separate without a tantrum

If you have questions about your child’s development, call today for a free evaluation.

 IN INDIANA
1-800-441-STEP
Four Rivers Resource Services
is a participating
FIRST STEPS agency

 Contact us for more information.