What is First Steps?

Indiana’s First Steps system is a family-centered, locally-based, coordinated system that provides early intervention services to infants and young children who may have developmental delays or who have a diagnosed mental or physical condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delays.

First Steps brings together families and professionals from education, health, and social service agencies. By coordinating locally available services, First Steps is working to give Indiana’s children and their families the widest possible array of early intervention services.

Counties We Serve

Through Thrive Alliance, First Steps South East serves families and children in Clusters H & J in Indiana. Counties in Clusters H & J include Bartholomew, Blackford, Brown, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Henry, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Lawrence, Madison, Monroe, Ohio, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, Switzerland, Union, and Wayne.

Regional Site Office — Anderson, Indiana
System Point of Entry Office — Columbus, Indiana

Our Mission

Our mission at First Steps South East is to assure that all Indiana families with infants and toddlers experiencing developmental delays or disabilities have access to early intervention services close to home when they need them. This is accomplished through the implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated system of local interagency councils.

Dad with baby

Make a Referral

After a referral has been received, a service coordinator will contact the family to set up an intake appointment. At the appointment, the family will provide information, complete necessary paperwork, learn more about First Steps, and schedule an evaluation with the Assessment Team. The Assessment Team will evaluate the child in your home to assess the child’s abilities and potential need for services. From there, the child’s need for additional services will be determined and the family will be contacted for further action.

Make a Referral