First Steps (Early Intervention)
I want to...
find out if First Steps is right for my child and family
what services are provided in the First Steps program
find out how children and families qualify for First Steps services
contact First Steps (state, provider, county)
see a map with my local First Steps program contact information
find out more about developmental milestones
become a First Steps provider
apply to be an agency for the First Steps Program
learn about the First Steps Local Planning and Coordinating Council (LPCC)
find forms related to First Steps program
About First Steps
Mission
To assure that all Indiana families with infants and toddlers experiencing developmental delays or disabilities have access to early intervention services close to home when they need them. This is accomplished through the implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated statewide system of local interagency councils called first steps.
DDRS Updates - Click Here to Register
Indiana's First Steps System is a family-centered, locally-based, coordinated system that provides early intervention services to infants and young children with disabilities or who are developmentally vulnerable.
First Steps brings together families and professionals from education, health and social service agencies. By coordinating locally available services, First Steps is working to give Indiana's children and their families the widest possible array of early intervention resources.
Families who are eligible to participate in Indiana’s First Steps System include children ages birth to three years, who are experiencing developmental delays and/or have a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay.
Information for Families
- Available Services
- Contact Information
- Central Directory
- Cost Participation Sliding Fee Schedule
- Early Childhood Programs in other States
- How To Get Help
- Interagency Coordinating Council
- Local First Steps Offices
- Provider Matrix
- Qualifying Developmental Delays
- Steps to First Steps
Information for Providers
- First Steps Agency Application Packet and Documents
- First Steps Cost Participation Procedures (10/01/2010)
- First Steps Personnel Guide (August 2012)
- Policy Information
- Unified Training Systems
Information for SPOEs and LPCC
Additional Resources
- Data Reports
- Policy and Oversight Information
- Transition Initiative
- Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in Indiana
- What's New
Local First Steps Offices - Statewide Location Map
Bureau of Child Development Services (BCDS)
402 West Washington St., W453, MS-51
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2739
Toll Free Number: 1-800-545-7763
FAX: 317-234-6701
FirstStepsWeb@fssa.in.gov .
- Apply for or check the status of my Medicaid (health coverage), SNAP (food assistance) or TANF (cash assistance) benefits.
- Find a quality child care provider in my local area.
- Learn about home and community-based supports for the elderly.
- Learn about job assistance for people with disabilities.
- Seek help for a mental health issue or a drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
