First Steps Services
As a participating First Steps agency for over 10 years, Hand In Hand Comprehensive Therapy Specialists, Inc.’s focus is quality service, attention to detail and providing your family with opportunities to best meet your child’s needs. Through the variety of services we offer, it is our vision to help meet the goals of your family. Your needs are important to us and we invite you to contact us with your questions, as together, we share and help make your dreams for your family a reality.
What is First Steps?
First Steps is a home-based, early intervention program designed to serve children from birth to three years of age. The First Steps program is a program provided by the state of Indiana.
What areas does Hand In Hand serve?
We serve 12 counties: St. Joseph, Elkhart, La Grange, Steuben, Noble, Dekalb, Whitley, Allen, Huntington, Adams, Wells, and Grant.
How does it work?
Hand In Hand Comprehensive Therapy Specialists, Inc. is proud to be one of the agencies that provides pediatric therapy services through the First Steps program. To clarify this, First Steps is a state program that determines if a child needs services. If the First Steps program determines a child is eligible to receive therapy services, the parents then choose Hand In Hand comprehensive Therapy Specialists as the agency they want to provide those services!
How do I begin process?
There are two ways to begin the process:
- Your child may be referred to their local First Steps program by their doctor, hospital staff or a social service agency caseworker.
- Your child may be a “self-referral” meaning the parent/caregiver contacts First Steps directly.
What is the process?
Once the referral has been made and information has been gathered, your child will have their initial evaluation. This will determine if your child is eligible for therapy services and what services will be provided. Once the paperwork is completed, you will be contacted by your therapist to begin your journey!
What are the sessions like?
Typically, therapy sessions are once a week for 60 minutes, although this may vary by child. These sessions are to take place in one of the child’s natural environments, typically the home. The parents are not only encouraged to be present, but more importantly, to participate in the
Did you know?
If you have a child that you feel would benefit from therapy services in First Steps and in our private clinic, you have the option to do both! Most of our clinic therapists also serve our First Steps population; this means they also specialize in the birth to three population and understand the importance of parent knowledge and involvement. These first few years of life are crucial, make the most out of them by providing as much support for your child as you can!
