Every baby is unique and all infants and toddlers grow and change at different rates. Sometimes children experience delays in their development that may be perfectly normal; but other times delays are cause for concern.

Children learn naturally, by doing and by watching you and/or other children. Because you know your child so well, you might notice if he or she is growing or developing differently than a cousin, brother or sister. If you feel uneasy about certain areas of your child’s development, don’t hesitate to contact the Barren River District First Steps Point of Entry by calling 901-5749 or (800) 643-6233.

Located in Bowling Green on the second floor of the new LifeSkills’ building on Suwannee Trail, First Steps is Kentucky’s Early Intervention System designed to serve families with children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or particular medical conditions known to cause developmental delays.

Elaine Donnelly, our region’s First Steps Point of Entry manager, says, “Many of the calls we receive are because a child is not talking, not sitting up, not gaining weight or due to behavioral issues and worries that a child may be autistic. Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy are just a few of the medical conditions that qualify children for First Steps. It’s important to note that First Steps is an educational program in which parents are actively involved in learning strategies to assist in their child’s development.”

Calls generally come from parents, pediatricians, hospitals, neighbors, relatives or community agencies. Anyone with a serious concern about a child’s development is encouraged to call. Keep in mind that First Steps is “voluntary,” so parents can refuse services if they are not interested in participating.

There are four phases in the First Steps process:

1. Intake — A service coordinator contacts you to schedule a visit to obtain information about your child, discuss developmental concerns, and allow you to select a primary level evaluator.

2. Evaluation — A qualified professional visits and screens your child to determine eligibility. This evaluation provides information on five areas of development: communication, cognitive, motor, social/emotional and adaptive.

3. Assessment — Eligible children receive further assessments in the areas of need and concern. Parents select a First Steps provider or therapist to complete the assessments, which provide detailed information about your child’s levels of functioning.

4. Individual Family Service Plan — A meeting with your service coordinator, provider and anyone else you would like to invite is held within 45 days of the referral. Goals and strategies are discussed and developed. The most beneficial services to assist your child and family are determined.

Some typical services provided through First Steps might include service coordination, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and developmental intervention. Other children might benefit from nutrition services, vision/hearing services or assistive technology equipment. Service coordinators also share information about other available resources within the community.

Although the initial intake, evaluation and assessments are conducted free of charge, when actual services begin, families are expected to contribute a participation fee if they are financially able to do so. Family share amounts range from $20 to $100 per month. There is no charge for children who have medical cards, and families may also elect to use their private insurance.

First Steps services end when your child becomes age appropriate in all areas of development, or on his or her third birthday. The school system then becomes responsible and your service coordinator will assist your family in this transition.

Donnelly knows making that first phone call is not an easy thing to do. “Just remember,” she says, “studies have proven that the sooner a child receives early intervention services, the more progress they make and the better prepared they are for pre-school. Lack of communication skills can cause frustration, which may result in unpleasant behavioral outbursts. A child who cannot communicate their needs and wants will have an effect on the entire family, often adding extra tension and strain to everyone’s day.”

Please call First Steps or visit fs.chfs.

ky.gov for more information.

— Maureen Mahaney coordinates public information for LifeSkills Inc., a nonprofit, behavioral health care corporation that plans for and serves the people of southcentral Kentucky in three main areas: mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities. Her column appears monthly.