First Steps serves as the System Point of Entry (SPOE) for Regions IV and V for EarlySteps; operating as a collaboration of people, ideas, and common goals. Our team is driven by our mission and belief system. We are committed to providing high-quality services to infant, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Our focus is on evidence-based practices that yield positive outcomes for children and their families.

Why Early Intervention?

The intent of early intervention is to build upon the natural routines and supports of families and children within their communities and to support families in meeting the health and developmental needs of their child by integrating services into the naturally occurring activities and routines of the family.
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System Point of Entry for Louisiana Regions IV and V

Since 2003, First Steps has served as the entry point for children referred to EarlySteps. We are responsible for initial support coordination and coordination of the eligibility determination process through the completion of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for each eligible child and their family.
Meet The Team

System Point of Entry for Louisiana Regions IV and V

As the SPOE, we serve as the entry point for children referred to EarlySteps. We are responsible for initial support coordination and coordination of the eligibility determination process through the completion of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for each eligible child and their family. We are responsible for the maintenance of the electronic record in the Early Intervention Data System (EIDS) and the hard copy file.
Meet The Team

MISSION

Dedication to providing high-quality services to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families including educating the general public on evidence-based practices that yield positive outcomes for children and families.

BELIEF STATEMENT

First Steps believes increased awareness, education, and the provision of high-quality services and supports will create a dynamic inclusive environment for children with disabilities. We believe children and families deserve to be equipped with the necessary tools to enhance the child's development.

NOLearn the Signs, Act Early

Wildfire Aware App

The Wildfire Aware app is intended to provide information about the current status and potential impact of wildfire incidents in the United States.

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Louisiana Feeding Programs

USDA works closely with states to ensure that children who receive on free or reduced-price school meals can get the nutrition they need when schools are closed – whether during summer break or unexpected closures during the school year.

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WEBINAR: Trauma-Informed Care

Hollie Jeffery, founder of the ACE Institute will talk about Trauma Informed Care, what it looks like for children and what it looks like for children with disabilities and special health care needs.

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Early Ed Month 2022 Parent Advocacy Training

This hour-long training will teach parents to how to communicate and engage with their elected officials at the state and local levels. This event is being co-hosted by Stand for Children Louisiana and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children.

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The following program components are included:
  • Operate a referral, orientation, and intake process.  
  • Conduct the Eligibility Determination Process. 
  • Assess family concerns, priorities, and resources. 
  • Provide administrative functions related to issuing service authorizations. 
  • Establish and maintain a recordkeeping system according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C and the EarlySteps Practice Manual.

    • The First Steps Team

    First Steps is staffed with Intake Coordinators, an Early Intervention Consultant, two Data Specialists, a Referral Coordinator and an Administrative Records Clerk. These staff members are service providers who specialize in intake, eligibility, and initial IFSP procedures.
    Meet the Team