First Steps South East

07/17/2024

First Steps will be at this event to share information. Lots of fun for kids of all ages!

Here is a map of where everything will be located. We will have QR codes posted around the area in case you need to see it on your phone. Otherwise ask a Community Night Volunteer for help and we'll get you where you want to be!

05/20/2024

Great opportunity in Indianapolis.

Are you looking for a play-based, fun-filled, outdoor parent and child playgroup this summer?!

Look no further!!!

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Join .the.dots.indy and this summer for a fun and collaborative speech, sensory, and movement based parent and child play group!

Play groups will be taking place outside at Holliday Park in Indianapolis, with an indoor backup plan nearby for severe weather.

👉🏼Groups will involve: circle time, music, story time, sensory activities, movement activities, self-care skill focus, plenty of opportunities for social interaction, and of course play!

✨Added Bonus: connect with other parents with children around the same age as your own!

To register, click the following link: https://forms.gle/akGvGM6LmCHx5a8u8

Feel free to email us or call/text with any additional questions or comments:

[email protected], 317-747-1694
[email protected], 616-481-3207

We are so excited to get started with all of you babbling babes and talky toddlers out there!!
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.the.dots.indy

05/15/2024

Family Town Hall Meeting in July
The Bureau of Child Development Services invites families of children receiving First Steps services to their Family Town Hall Meeting.
Thursday July 25, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
and/or
Thursday July 25, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

During this time, you can share your experiences, ask questions, and voice your suggestions to improve early intervention in the state of Indiana. Christina Commons (Director of the Bureau of Child Development Services), David Brandon-Friedman (Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives) and Barbara Sanders (Family Engagement Manager) will personally answer questions and respond to comments. These meetings will be held online and ASL interpreter services will be provided.
To register to attend, please click here. You can also scan the QR code below or visit the URL at the bottom of this message. A link to join the meeting will be sent out to all those registered.


https://forms.office.com/g/nD5whqNXwZ

05/01/2024

Great opportunity for families to have their voices heard and make a difference in the future of The Early CHildhood Center.

04/10/2024

Our First Steps region is hiring Service Coordinators

The regional First Steps office that manages hiring and training Service Coordinators has posted three positions. The job descriptions and application links are below. Service Coordinator in Anderson, IN Service Coordinator in Greenfield, IN Service Coordinator in Muncie, IN Hiring Service Coordinat...

03/15/2024

Fun for Fayette County

03/15/2024

What better time than to share this opportunity from GoBabyGo of South Central Indiana? Check it out below! ⤵️

GoBabyGo of South Central Indiana is ready to begin taking applications from families of young children. More information and the online application is now available at: https://www.assistedindependence.care/go-baby-go/

The program hopes to identify around five children to receive modified ride-on cars. Children should live in any of the following counties: Bartholomew, Brown, Jackson, Jennings, and Johnson

03/15/2024

Receiving First Steps services? You're invited!

First Steps Family Town Hall Online in April

Attend one of two meetings:
Thursday April 4, 1:30-2:30 PM
Thursday April 4, 6:30-7:30 PM

More info:

First Steps Family Town Hall FSSA sent this bulletin at 02/26/2024 11:09 AM EST View as a webpage / Share First Steps Family Town Hall The Bureau of Child Development Services invites families of children receiving First Steps services to one-of-two Family Town Hall Meetings on April 4. During this....

03/13/2024

Great opportunity for families!

03/11/2024

Free Virtual Series with Gordon Homes - https://mailchi.mp/2138e72776d9/help-fuse-virtual-series-17080805

02/15/2024

Great opportunity to network and learn about other resources. Please share!

09/28/2023

Do you want to make a difference in children’s lives and have flexible hours? First Steps can help you achieve this work-life balance. We’re looking for dedicated providers who specialize in child development, and we offer flexible schedules. Visit in.gov/fssa/firststeps/providersagencies/provider-enrollment to learn more about becoming a First Steps provider.

09/27/2023

We need your feedback!

Randolph County has been awarded a grant to create meaningful early childhood learning opportunities for families in our community. This county-wide initiative allows us to transform formal and informal places and spaces into learning-rich environments while also providing our families with high-quality resources for their children's development!

If you are a Randolph County family with children under the age of 5 or you support children in our community under the age of 5 please tell us what would be most impactful for you to have access to while nurturing their curiosity to learn. Complete this anonymous 3-question survey by October 20, 2023.

If you don't have children this age tag someone you know in the comments below who does.

https://forms.gle/UnbCTaVLmj9DkQ9Q8

09/15/2023

First Steps will be at this Baby Shower and resource fair tomorrow 9/16 in Wayne County.

09/01/2023

First Steps will be at the Health Resource Fair in Ripley County on 9/27/23.

09/01/2023

09/01/2023

At just six months old, babies enjoy “back and forth play,” where you mimic each other’s facial expressions and vocals back to each other. The CDC recommends this as well as other tips and activities to promote development! If you believe your child may be experiencing developmental delays or may not be hitting their milestones, connect with First Steps. We’re here to help!

Learn more at FirstSteps.IN.gov or visit the CDC website to see more developmental activities to practice.

09/01/2023

September 2023 FUSE Ink Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/ac958aa5a619/september-2023-fuse-ink-news-15373341

08/02/2023

Coming to Shelby County!

07/28/2023

Coming up in Jackson County!

07/28/2023

From birth to their third birthday, children’s development is so important. Did you know that, at one to two months, babies should turn their heads in the direction they are touched? They should also pay attention to someone's face in direct line of sight. If you believe your child may be experiencing developmental delays, First Steps is here to help. The earlier you start, the more we can help your family and your child reach their highest potential. Connect with First Steps today at FirstSteps.IN.gov

07/28/2023

The Indiana State Fair is back! The following locations allow everyone to enjoy the Fair! These locations offer less noise, smaller crowds, etc. You can easily find how to get to these areas on the Indiana State Fair App. If your family attends the Fair, please share your photos with Children's Therapy Connection!

Air Conditioned Locations:
-4-H Exhibit Hall
-DNR Building
-Farm Bureau Building
-Normandy Barn
-Harvest Pavilion
-Indiana Arts Building
-Hoosier Lottery Expo Hall
-Purdue Extension Agriculture & Horticulture Building

Additional Sensory Friendly Locations:
-Butterfly Garden
-Purdue Extension Demonstration Garden
-Brickyard Plaza
-Indiana History Train Sitting Area
-Bubble Tower
-Covered Bridge Grassy Sitting Area

07/28/2023

We need you! We are seeking individuals with IDD and family members to join in the Advocacy Leadership Network Training Program. Read all about it and apply here:
https://www.arcind.org/advocacy-leadership-network/

07/28/2023

If you are looking for autism-friendly and inclusive/accessible playgrounds in Indianapolis, look no further!

07/14/2023

SAVE THE DATE! FRIDAY, JULY 28th
We are sharing for our friends with Jackson County 4-H. Quiet barn time information is found below. We would like to invite guests to stay around and enjoy quiet ride time on the midway from 2 to 4 PM. Both events are for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We would like to thank everyone involved that makes these events possible for the clients we serve.

07/13/2023

Rush County!

06/21/2023

Fayette County July 8th.

03/08/2023

On the second Friday of every month Columbus Gymnastics Center offers Sensory Open Gym. During this time, our gym is specifically dedicated to providing a fun and safe space for children ages 2 to 14 who experience Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, or who have special sensory needs. Our entire facility is set aside so that attendees can run, jump, swing, and climb on our equipment in a calm and comfortable setting. Typically developing siblings are more than welcome to also attend Sensory Open Gym.

https://columbusparksandrec.com/programs-and-events/gymnastics/inclusive-activities/

01/23/2023

Union County

11/01/2022

Great opportunity for families to connect with resources for all ages. We will have a table and would love for families and professionals to stop by and say hello!