• Early Intervention Evaluations
• Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs
• SEIT and Related Services
• Special Instruction
• Speech/Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Service Coordination
• Family Training
• Psychological Services
• Social Work

All First Steps therapists are New York State approved as Early Intervention and/or CPSE providers. Therapy is available in English, Spanish, Hebrew and other languages.

The Early Intervention Program is funded and regulated by the New York State Dept. of Health and, in Nassau County, by the Nassau County Dept. of Health. Parents may call the county at 516-227-8661 for information or to make referral for an evaluation.

CPSE is funded by the New York State Dept. of Education and the Nassau County Dept. of Health. Services are accessed through your local school district. Services to children approved by the Nassau County Department of Health Early Intervention Program or their school district’s CPSE are provided at no direct cost to the family. The county may access your private health plan for reimbursement of Early Intervention services.

Why First Steps May Be Right For You and Your Child
For those children ages birth to three found eligible, Early Intervention services are identified in collaboration with the parent(s) and are authorized by the county. Children ages three to five are evaluated through their school district. If eligible, services are delivered as indicated on your child’s Individualized Service Plan (IEP).

First Steps is a parent friendly, child oriented agency providing personalized service. Our therapists are happy to include grandparents, siblings, babysitters and other persons important to your child in the therapeutic process. Flexible scheduling of evaluations and therapy services is available to accommodate the needs of working parents.

Who We Serve
First Steps serves the needs of children ages birth to five who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay and/or disability. Areas of specialty include:

• Autism
• Genetic Disorders
• Speech/Language Delay
• Premature birth
• Feeding Concerns
• Neurological Disorders
• Behavioral Issues

Eligibility for Early Intervention and CPSE services can be determined only by a multi-disciplinary evaluation by state approved evaluators under contract with Nassau County.

Where We Provide Services
First Steps works with your family and the Department of Health to deliver Early Intervention services in your child’s natural environment. All services are offered in your home or other community locations such as day care or nursery school. CPSE services are delivered as indicated in your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which can include nursery school, day care and home settings. In both programs, parents are responsible for any tuition at child care or community locations.

Applied Behavioral Analysis Program
First Steps offers comprehensive, individualized ABA Programs for children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders including Discrete Trials, Team Leading, Family Training and supplemental therapies including PROMPT. Our ABA Programs utiilize a Developmental Framework to address your child’s needs in all areas of development. Programs are designed to encourage your child‘s:

• Receptive and Expressive Language
• Social Skills
• Sensory Integration
• Organizational Skills
• Eye Contact
• Activity Transition
• Expanded food preferences
• Self-help skills
• Pre-academics