 First Steps is an Early Intervention program for families with children who have developmental delays or disabilities, or who are at-risk for such delays. We provide play-based educational and therapeutic services for infants and toddlers (between birth and age three) living in South Berkshire County. First Steps is certified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Parents may call us directly at (413) 644-0104 or may be referred by pediatricians, health care providers, social service agencies, medical centers, childcare providers and other professionals involved with families of young children. All children living in Massachusetts between birth and age three are entitled to a developmental assessment at the parents' request.
 If a child is eligible and the parent chooses to receive services, an individualized plan is written based on parent concerns and goals. Additional specialty services are available to families that have an infant or toddler with particular challenges, such as hearing impairment, vision impairment, or suspected or diagnosed autism spectrum disorder.
The CHP First Steps team includes the following professionals: program director, program assistant, developmental specialists, speech/language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, social worker/counselor, and a nutritionist.
We provide a wide range of services for children and their families. For children passing their third birthday and still in need of services, CHP also provides programs through the CHP Family Support Network. The CHP First Steps team will assist the family in transitioning to appropriate services. Please see the CHP Family Support Network page for information on the Sensory Support Group and the Play and Learn Groups.
Families do not bear the cost of insurance co-payments and deductibles. If a child is enrolled, there is an Annual Cost Participation Fee for some families, based on family size and income. No family will be denied services based on an inability to pay.
CHP First Steps is a non-profit program funded by Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, third party revenue and annual participation fees, private donations, and grants, including The Coolidge Hill Foundation, The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, the Berkshire United Way and the Kare Bear Invitational Golf Tournament.
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| General Eligibility Criteria for First Steps |
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First Steps services are typically provided for infants/toddlers who:
- have difficult behaviors
- are medically fragile
- have feeding/eating difficulties
- were born prematurely
- have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition
- show a delay in any area of development
- have vision or hearing problems
- are considered "at-risk" for delays
- have sensory challenges
- are in foster care
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Please call CHP First Steps to discuss an assessment for your child:
(413) 644-0104.
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| First Steps Services |
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For Children:
- Developmental evaluation
- Visits at home or in a community setting of the family's choosing
- Center-based therapy
- Community playgroups
- Consultations with specialists
- Monitoring infants at risk
- Referrals to specialty providers
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For Families:
- Individual or family counseling
- Parent support group
- Eduactional materials and programs
- Ongoing support and guidance
- Referral to community resources
- Coordination with other agencies
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Please call CHP First Steps to discuss an assessment for your child:
(413) 644-0104.
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