Services from A Step Ahead
HOME BASED SERVICES
The Philosophy Behind Home Visiting
Research indicates that children learn best in the context of secure and loving relationships. When interventions are provided at home, children have multiple opportunities to practice functional skills such as walking around furniture at home; requesting food at mealtimes; or sharing toys with friends at childcare. Our educators and therapists work closely with caregivers to find fun and meaningful activities which capitalize on natural learning opportunities throughout the day. “I believe the work (our therapist) did in our home one-on-one got the ball rolling for increased communication…”
Service Coordination
Provides support to children and their families in accessing Part C of IDEA services through case management and coordination of all services.
Speech/Language Pathology
Helps with communication skills to include simple sign language; vocabulary development; speech production; and augmentative communication devices. Also assists in feeding skills.
Physical Therapy
Provides exercises, positioning strategies, and equipment to help children improve their gross motor skills.
Developmental Services
Specially designed education strategies to assist children in developing across all areas of development (cognition, communication, social, self-care, gross and fine motor skills).
Occupational Therapy
Assists children in developing daily living skills, including feeding, dressing, gross and fine motor development. Also evaluates and treats sensory processing disorders.
Transition
Early Support Services end on your child’s third birthday. Prior to their third birthday, a transition plan will be developed. The plan may include other programs or services or education services provided by the local school district.
Infant Mental Health
Infant Mental Health Specialists are available to provide short-term relationship-based services for caregivers and their infant or toddler who is exhibiting social/emotional challenges.
Child Find
The process of locating, identifying, referring, and evaluating those infants and toddlers who are in need of Early Support Services through Part C of IDEA
Blind/Low-Vision Services
Consultations with Teachers of Children with Visual Impairments are available to children who are (or may be) blind or low-vision.
Services may include a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Community Based Services
Playgroups
A Step Ahead offers playgroups as an additional service to our families. Playgroups provide an opportunity for guided support and allows children to work on skills while in a setting amongst their peers. Out playgroups focus on social-emotional skills, sensory development, communication, cognitive and motor skills. They take place at our classroom in Puyallup, and inclusive setting where children can learn through play while having the opportunity for observation and modeling of skills by both adults and their peers. They also provide opportunity for caregivers to network with other caregivers who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community.
Outreach & Community Events
We have several engaging community events throughout the calendar year in an effort to both raise awareness about the work that we do, and to foster a deeper connection in the community we serve.
These events currently include the annual Run Walk Roll 5k, Miss Marti’s Famous Duck Float, Heritage Festival and more. Stay tuned to our socials for information on when these take place and how to register and attend.
Field Trips
Field trips are offered throughout the year in order to introduce families to our community’s wealth of fun learning activities. We will support you and your child to make this a successful experience. Some of our more popular field trips include Point Defiance Zoo, NW Trek, YMCA Gym Extravaganza, Pierce County Block Play, and wide variety of parks throughout our Pierce County service area.
Our Field Trip events often include an assortment of activities that could include art projects, sensory bins, giant bubbles and our famed ASAPC Circle Time.
Partnerships
We are incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnerships in the community including Mel Korum YMCA, greentrike, and Pierce County Library Systems.
They continue to support the work we do for children in Pierce County without fail and many of our events would not be possible without them.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Eligibility
Eligible children must be under the age of three and live in Pierce County. A Step Ahead welcomes the enrollment of all eligible children regardless of race, religion, nationality, or ability to pay.
If you’d like to start the process of enrolling your child in early support services, please Click Here
Costs
Many of our services are funded through federal, state, and local dollars, and are provided at no cost. Medical insurance is billed to cover the cost of therapy services and families may be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance. These costs will be reviewed with you prior to starting services. Please contact your insurance company or Family Resources Coordinator for information specific to your child. Each family receives the maximum services their child needs regardless of their ability to pay. For more information on how we cover uncompensated care, please contact us.
