First Steps is a program that matches the unique needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays with professional resources within the community.
If you have a child up to three years old, First Steps will provide educational material and other resources to help you recognize developmental problems as early as possible.
Draft FY2013 Grant Application » Positions Available: Pediatric Therapists »
Services We Coordinate
Assessment
Each eligible child receives an individual assessment, with parents and other relatives providing input.
Led by an assigned service coordinator, a team works with the family to develop an individualized family service plan (IFSP)
to provide appropriate services to the child
and family using professional resources within the community. You can arrange for an assessment by contacting your
local Mississippi
Department of Health office.
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
An IFSP is written plan for providing early intervention services to an eligible child and the child's family that builds on the results of our assessment.
Documents
- Performance Plans and Improvement Plans (Mississippi SMART)
- Directory of Early Intervention Service Providers
- Referral Form
- How to Apply for Mississippi Early Intervention Unit Approval
Application packet for trainers and sponsors - Procedural Safeguards and Advocacy
Family Rights notice, complaint form, complaint process, resources - Public Awareness
Natural environments, order form for awareness materials
Reports
Resources
- Early Intervention Resource Library
A learning resource for child & adolescent development - Natural Environments for Child Development
Why children develop best in familiar family settings
Links
- National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
- United States Department of Education/Office of Special Education
- Regional Resource Federal Network Center
- Early Childhood Outcomes Center
- Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute
- Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development
- PACER Center, Champions for Children with Disabilities
- Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development
- Council for Exceptional Children/Division for Early Childhood
- The National Early Childhood Transition Initiative
Get in touch — find out more
To learn more about First Steps and to find out whether you are eligible, contact your local health office, or call (601) 576-7427 in the Jackson area, or call toll-free 1-800-451-3903.
To contact a district coordinator, see our list of Early Intervention District Coordinators.
We want to hear from you about about maternal and child health needs and programs in Mississippi. Take a moment to share your ideas and concerns with us. Send us a message »
