 STEPS - Success Together Experiencing Play and Stimulation
The goal of STEPS is to join each family as they nurture their child to reach
his or her full potential.
Building on Strengths: The STEPS Program
Beginning in the Fall of 1999, the STEPS program has supported families and
their children in overcoming obstacles. The STEPS Program focuses on the
strengths and needs of children who have, or who are at risk for, developmental
disabilities. Through a blend of educational and therapeutic services, STEPS
meets the individual needs of families and children as they prepare for their
next educational environment.
Program Features and Services
Transdisciplinary Team Approach - Parents, Developmental Therapists,
Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists collaborate
to surround the child in support of his or her developmental goals. Each
participant contributes his/her expertise to enhance the child’s overall
performance.
Group Experience - Play and social interaction are other important
aspects of the program. STEPS includes children with Down syndrome, cerebral
palsy, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Fragile X and other developmental
disabilities with typically developing peers, helping each child reach his or
her full potential.
Inclusive Environment - At STEPS, the positive effect of reverse
inclusion is valued for all children and their families. Allowing children that
are typically developing to learn along side children with developmental delays
increases understanding and enhances learning for everyone.
Teaching Methods and Tools
STEPS uses a variety of teaching methods and tools to help the children learn
within a developmentally appropriate learning environment. These include:
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- American Sign Language
- Oral-Motor Stimulation
- Sensory Motor Integration
- Feeding opportunities
- Exposure to sensory activities
- Gross-Motor Room designed to facilitate and strengthen large
muscles
Facility
STEPS is housed at Central Christian Church on the corner of
William Street and Monroe Street. Each classroom has a lead
teacher, a teaching assistant, and an aide. The classroom aide
is an adult with developmental disabilities. This experience
allows them providing them to be contributing members of our
community.
Student and Professional Trainings
Each semester, the STEPS Program is a clinical setting for
nursing students attending Millikin and Richland Community
College. It is also a practicum/observation experience for
education students from both colleges. Additionally, Baby TALK
provides training for professionals from across the country in
the Baby TALK and Touchpoints approaches to supporting families.
Eligibility for STEPS
Children receiving early intervention services in developmental
therapy and at least one other discipline and that would benefit
from the group experience as determined by the IFSP team are
candidates for the program. Because of the therapeutic team
approach, it is also beneficial if the children receive their
services with the STEPS team of professionals
Baby TALK’s Mission is to positively impact child development
and nurture healthy parent-child relationships during the
critical early years.
For more information about the STEPS program and its services,
call:
Child and Family Connections #19 at
(217) 423-6199
Deb Widenhofer at (217) 422-5249 or (217) 475-2234
S.T.E.P.S.
An Early Intervention Collaboration
Success
Together
Experiencing
Play and
Stimulation
A program of
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