WEBVTT
00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:14.240
Well, welcome to First Steps Forward, the St.
00:00:14.240 --> 00:00:15.599
Louis Area podcast.
00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:23.839
Here we help parents and providers learn about developmental milestones for children ages birth to three and the resources available to support them.
00:00:23.839 --> 00:00:26.160
I'm your host, Howard Smith.
00:00:26.480 --> 00:00:28.320
And I'm Christina Narasimhan.
00:00:28.640 --> 00:00:30.000
Together, we oversee the St.
00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.159
Louis Area First Steps program in Missouri.
00:00:32.399 --> 00:00:35.439
We connect families with specialists to support each child's growth.
00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:44.159
Please visit dese.mo.gov/childhood to learn more.
00:00:44.159 --> 00:00:46.399
The link is in our show notes.
00:00:46.799 --> 00:00:52.640
And today we're talking about just general information about our office and the Missouri First Steps Program.
00:00:52.640 --> 00:00:53.520
So the St.
00:00:53.520 --> 00:00:57.679
Louis Area First Steps Program is a program of Benchmark Human Services.
00:00:57.679 --> 00:01:04.959
And in 2009, Benchmark was awarded the contract to serve as the system point of entry for First Steps in the Greater St.
00:01:04.959 --> 00:01:06.159
Louis area.
00:01:06.159 --> 00:01:16.560
Founded in 1960 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Benchmark supports more than 20,000 individuals with disabilities and mental health needs across the United States.
00:01:16.560 --> 00:01:30.560
The organization offers a wide range of services, including residential support, case management, mental health crisis response, day services, pediatric home health, autism services, and more.
00:01:30.560 --> 00:01:43.920
Benchmark began its early childhood program in 1996 and now provides birth to three early intervention services in Missouri, Colorado, Connecticut, Montana, and Virginia.
00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:55.439
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.
00:01:55.439 --> 00:02:04.000
Federal law governing First Steps is part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as the IDEA.
00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:11.039
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is the lead state agency responsible for implementing the First Steps program.
00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:17.360
First Steps is a voluntary program that provides families the tools they need to help their child be successful.
00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:49.840
Children can be referred to First Steps for a variety of reasons, but notably due to a developmental delay or if they have been diagnosed with a condition commonly associated with developmental delays, such as very low birth weight or a child who's under 1500 grams at birth, diagnosed hearing or visual impairments, autism spectrum disorder, chromosomal trisomy, exposure to toxic substances such as fetal alcohol, high lead levels, and other genetic and chromosomal anomalies.
00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:55.599
We frequently get referrals for children who have communication delays.
00:02:55.599 --> 00:03:02.400
And so children who are not talking at an age where they're expected to be to begin saying words.
00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:16.400
And we also have receive referrals for children who maybe haven't started to roll over yet in an age when it is expected for them to roll over or even beginning to crawl or sit.
00:03:17.840 --> 00:03:23.039
So a lot of times uh families can talk about any concerns that they have with their pediatrician.
00:03:23.039 --> 00:03:27.840
So at routine pediatrician visits, most pediatricians will ask some developmental questions.
00:03:27.840 --> 00:03:36.159
And so if you have concerns as a parent, that is the time to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have about your child's development.
00:03:36.159 --> 00:03:38.560
There are also checklists that are available.
00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:40.000
You can find them online.
00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:54.000
If you Google a developmental checklist for infants and toddlers, which will give you simple stages of what to expect within a range developmentally for a child from birth all the way up through ages three to five.
00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:58.719
So that is a good way to just keep track of how your child is developing.
00:03:58.719 --> 00:04:17.600
And if you are starting to see concerns, you can reference those checklists and also have those conversations with your doctor or anyone else, any other programs that you may be involved in as far as either parents as teachers, or if your child is in childcare, you can have a conversation with their teachers or director at the child care center.
00:04:17.600 --> 00:04:22.959
As you can see from this map, there are 10 First Steps regions in Missouri.
00:04:22.959 --> 00:04:23.759
Here in the St.
00:04:23.759 --> 00:04:25.600
Louis area, we have two.
00:04:25.600 --> 00:04:27.759
Region one, which comprises St.
00:04:27.759 --> 00:04:28.800
Louis City in St.
00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:32.959
Charles County, and Region Two, which is all of St.
00:04:32.959 --> 00:04:34.000
Louis County.
00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:38.079
Benchmark has been the contractor for the First Step System Point of Entry in St.
00:04:38.079 --> 00:04:39.600
Louis since 2009.
00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:48.800
And as the system point of entry, we employ 70 total service coordinators with an average caseload of 55 families throughout the metropolitan area.
00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:57.839
In addition, we work with about 300 plus providers who are contracted through the state of Missouri to provide any recommended services.
00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:11.279
These providers include speech, occupational, and physical therapists, in addition to special instructors, dietitians, behavior specialists, and vision and hearing specialists, to just name a few.
00:05:11.600 --> 00:05:12.240
Here in the St.
00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:24.959
Louis area, our office is responsible for receiving all referrals, determining eligibility, and developing an individualized family service plan, otherwise known as an IFSP, for each eligible child.
00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:32.399
Our office is centrally located at 680 Craig Road, Suite 308 in Creve Coeur, Missouri.
00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:38.720
Our phone number is 314-453-9203.
00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:46.399
Or we can be reached toll-free at 866-583-2392 extension 3.
00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:51.120
Your pediatrician very well may make a referral to the First Steps program.
00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:53.839
However, we also take referrals from parents.
00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:58.800
And oftentimes pediatricians will recommend a parent give us a call.
00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:09.680
We do take referrals from parents, from doctors, from other home visitors, such as parents as teachers, NICUs, and other social service agencies in our community.
00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:23.920
Our goal through this podcast series will be to provide helpful information about the First Steps program, general child development, including milestones, tips, strategies, and various resources, including those available through the St.
00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:25.920
Louis Area First Steps Program.
00:06:25.920 --> 00:06:35.600
Over future episodes, you will hear from First Steps personnel such as directors, service coordinators, and providers, in addition to other community resources.
00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:49.360
We will touch upon subjects such as speech concerns, behavioral concerns, motor delays, and highlighting specific provider types and specialties, local resources and agencies, and information from our state office in Missouri.
00:06:49.759 --> 00:06:49.920
St.
00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:55.439
Louis Area First Steps is a program of Benchmark Human Services founded in 1960.
00:06:55.439 --> 00:07:02.480
Benchmark's mission is to help people live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and reach their full potential.
00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:08.240
First Steps Forward is hosted by Benchmark Human Services as contractor for Missouri First Steps in the St.
00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:09.199
Louis area.
00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:11.360
We help parents and providers in the St.
00:07:11.360 --> 00:07:18.639
Louis area learn about developmental milestones for children ages birth to three and the resources available to support them.
00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:27.759
To learn more about the First Steps Early Intervention Services available in Missouri, please visit dese.mo.gov/childhood.
00:07:29.759 --> 00:07:34.720
This podcast is edited by Courtney Heiser and Larissa Whitaker.
00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:45.120
The views expressed on the podcast are our own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the First Steps program.
00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:47.839
Follow the St.
00:07:47.839 --> 00:07:50.240
Louis Area First Steps program on Facebook at St.
00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:51.759
Louis Area First Steps.
00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:14.240
Well, welcome to First Steps Forward, the St.
00:00:14.240 --> 00:00:15.599
Louis Area podcast.
00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:23.839
Here we help parents and providers learn about developmental milestones for children ages birth to three and the resources available to support them.
00:00:23.839 --> 00:00:26.160
I'm your host, Howard Smith.
00:00:26.480 --> 00:00:28.320
And I'm Christina Narasimhan.
00:00:28.640 --> 00:00:30.000
Together, we oversee the St.
00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.159
Louis Area First Steps program in Missouri.
00:00:32.399 --> 00:00:35.439
We connect families with specialists to support each child's growth.
00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:44.159
Please visit dese.mo.gov/childhood to learn more.
00:00:44.159 --> 00:00:46.399
The link is in our show notes.
00:00:46.799 --> 00:00:52.640
And today we're talking about just general information about our office and the Missouri First Steps Program.
00:00:52.640 --> 00:00:53.520
So the St.
00:00:53.520 --> 00:00:57.679
Louis Area First Steps Program is a program of Benchmark Human Services.
00:00:57.679 --> 00:01:04.959
And in 2009, Benchmark was awarded the contract to serve as the system point of entry for First Steps in the Greater St.
00:01:04.959 --> 00:01:06.159
Louis area.
00:01:06.159 --> 00:01:16.560
Founded in 1960 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Benchmark supports more than 20,000 individuals with disabilities and mental health needs across the United States.
00:01:16.560 --> 00:01:30.560
The organization offers a wide range of services, including residential support, case management, mental health crisis response, day services, pediatric home health, autism services, and more.
00:01:30.560 --> 00:01:43.920
Benchmark began its early childhood program in 1996 and now provides birth to three early intervention services in Missouri, Colorado, Connecticut, Montana, and Virginia.
00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:55.439
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.
00:01:55.439 --> 00:02:04.000
Federal law governing First Steps is part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as the IDEA.
00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:11.039
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is the lead state agency responsible for implementing the First Steps program.
00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:17.360
First Steps is a voluntary program that provides families the tools they need to help their child be successful.
00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:49.840
Children can be referred to First Steps for a variety of reasons, but notably due to a developmental delay or if they have been diagnosed with a condition commonly associated with developmental delays, such as very low birth weight or a child who's under 1500 grams at birth, diagnosed hearing or visual impairments, autism spectrum disorder, chromosomal trisomy, exposure to toxic substances such as fetal alcohol, high lead levels, and other genetic and chromosomal anomalies.
00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:55.599
We frequently get referrals for children who have communication delays.
00:02:55.599 --> 00:03:02.400
And so children who are not talking at an age where they're expected to be to begin saying words.
00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:16.400
And we also have receive referrals for children who maybe haven't started to roll over yet in an age when it is expected for them to roll over or even beginning to crawl or sit.
00:03:17.840 --> 00:03:23.039
So a lot of times uh families can talk about any concerns that they have with their pediatrician.
00:03:23.039 --> 00:03:27.840
So at routine pediatrician visits, most pediatricians will ask some developmental questions.
00:03:27.840 --> 00:03:36.159
And so if you have concerns as a parent, that is the time to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have about your child's development.
00:03:36.159 --> 00:03:38.560
There are also checklists that are available.
00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:40.000
You can find them online.
00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:54.000
If you Google a developmental checklist for infants and toddlers, which will give you simple stages of what to expect within a range developmentally for a child from birth all the way up through ages three to five.
00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:58.719
So that is a good way to just keep track of how your child is developing.
00:03:58.719 --> 00:04:17.600
And if you are starting to see concerns, you can reference those checklists and also have those conversations with your doctor or anyone else, any other programs that you may be involved in as far as either parents as teachers, or if your child is in childcare, you can have a conversation with their teachers or director at the child care center.
00:04:17.600 --> 00:04:22.959
As you can see from this map, there are 10 First Steps regions in Missouri.
00:04:22.959 --> 00:04:23.759
Here in the St.
00:04:23.759 --> 00:04:25.600
Louis area, we have two.
00:04:25.600 --> 00:04:27.759
Region one, which comprises St.
00:04:27.759 --> 00:04:28.800
Louis City in St.
00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:32.959
Charles County, and Region Two, which is all of St.
00:04:32.959 --> 00:04:34.000
Louis County.
00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:38.079
Benchmark has been the contractor for the First Step System Point of Entry in St.
00:04:38.079 --> 00:04:39.600
Louis since 2009.
00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:48.800
And as the system point of entry, we employ 70 total service coordinators with an average caseload of 55 families throughout the metropolitan area.
00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:57.839
In addition, we work with about 300 plus providers who are contracted through the state of Missouri to provide any recommended services.
00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:11.279
These providers include speech, occupational, and physical therapists, in addition to special instructors, dietitians, behavior specialists, and vision and hearing specialists, to just name a few.
00:05:11.600 --> 00:05:12.240
Here in the St.
00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:24.959
Louis area, our office is responsible for receiving all referrals, determining eligibility, and developing an individualized family service plan, otherwise known as an IFSP, for each eligible child.
00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:32.399
Our office is centrally located at 680 Craig Road, Suite 308 in Creve Coeur, Missouri.
00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:38.720
Our phone number is 314-453-9203.
00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:46.399
Or we can be reached toll-free at 866-583-2392 extension 3.
00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:51.120
Your pediatrician very well may make a referral to the First Steps program.
00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:53.839
However, we also take referrals from parents.
00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:58.800
And oftentimes pediatricians will recommend a parent give us a call.
00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:09.680
We do take referrals from parents, from doctors, from other home visitors, such as parents as teachers, NICUs, and other social service agencies in our community.
00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:23.920
Our goal through this podcast series will be to provide helpful information about the First Steps program, general child development, including milestones, tips, strategies, and various resources, including those available through the St.
00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:25.920
Louis Area First Steps Program.
00:06:25.920 --> 00:06:35.600
Over future episodes, you will hear from First Steps personnel such as directors, service coordinators, and providers, in addition to other community resources.
00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:49.360
We will touch upon subjects such as speech concerns, behavioral concerns, motor delays, and highlighting specific provider types and specialties, local resources and agencies, and information from our state office in Missouri.
00:06:49.759 --> 00:06:49.920
St.
00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:55.439
Louis Area First Steps is a program of Benchmark Human Services founded in 1960.
00:06:55.439 --> 00:07:02.480
Benchmark's mission is to help people live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and reach their full potential.
00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:08.240
First Steps Forward is hosted by Benchmark Human Services as contractor for Missouri First Steps in the St.
00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:09.199
Louis area.
00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:11.360
We help parents and providers in the St.
00:07:11.360 --> 00:07:18.639
Louis area learn about developmental milestones for children ages birth to three and the resources available to support them.
00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:27.759
To learn more about the First Steps Early Intervention Services available in Missouri, please visit dese.mo.gov/childhood.
00:07:29.759 --> 00:07:34.720
This podcast is edited by Courtney Heiser and Larissa Whitaker.
00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:45.120
The views expressed on the podcast are our own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the First Steps program.
00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:47.839
Follow the St.
00:07:47.839 --> 00:07:50.240
Louis Area First Steps program on Facebook at St.
00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:51.759
Louis Area First Steps.
