Is your child meeting his/her developmental milestones?
"It's the things you do with your child every day - bathing, playing, eating - that can help you determine whether or not your child is developing at a normal rate," Pam Thomas, of the Missouri First Steps program, said.
Missouri First Steps is a program from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that evaluates and offers children, from birth through age 3, and their families early intervention services.
Early intervention services can help a child reach milestones in the areas of communication and language, physical development, hearing and vision, social and emotional development, and other developmental areas that may interfere with overall growth.
In Missouri, children can qualify for early intervention services under the following circumstances: a child was born premature or with birth weight of less than 3 pounds; has a medical condition such as cerebral palsy, autism or down syndrome; or has a developmental delay. Only under the third category would a child need to be evaluated to receive services; the others automatically qualify them for services.
Thomas said the majority of the children who have a developmental delay and who have been referred for services were evaluated between the ages of 18-30 months.
First Steps program is a family-focused program where the therapists come to the families' homes to provide services, creating a team atmosphere that involves family members throughout the process.
"Our goal is to help with everyday activities that contribute to the overall success and development of a child," Thomas said.
Anyone can make a referral at www.mofirststeps.com.
Another option for families is the Special Learning Center's Capable Kids and families program, which provides early intervention services for children ages 0-6 years.
"The first five years are the best time to teach your child because they are like sponges at that age," Amy Edwards, program director at the Special Learning Center, said.
Debbie Hamler, executive director of the SLC, told the News Tribune going five years without intervention can be critical for a child's overall development.
Hamler recommends parents visit the SLC website to access the "Early Childhood Development Chart" under the Parents tab, which provides a visual of the types of milestones a child should typically be meeting during the first few years of life.
"Plus, its better for children to enter school being the best they can be when they're hitting that new educational system," Hamler said.
When children who have an individualized family service plan (IFSP) on file with the state enroll in school, they can continue to receive early intervention services at no cost. An IFSP is the official transcript that identifies a child's service needs.
Hamler said just because the kid may be out of her service area when it comes to age, she is still willing to help connect a family with local resources:
The following offer early intervention services and family support groups:
Capital Region Medical Center
SSM St. Mary's Health
Jefferson City Early Childhood program at Southwest Early Childhood Center
Parents as Teachers
Community Health Center
Missouri Protection and Advocacy
Parent Mentors
"Call your local school district or First Steps to find out about the services your child may qualify for," Edwards said.
Hamler added, "Contacting your family physician can also help lead a family who is looking for services in the right direction."