St. Louis Area First Steps

10/07/2026

Asking for help takes a lot of courage. Our providers understand. We are here to offer non-judgemental, compassionate support.

Liz Gallagher, an occupational therapist for First Steps, talks about some of the anxieties parents might have during their first at-home visit.

Listen to the full episode of First Steps Forward wherever you get your podcasts.

10/05/2026

Our service coordinators meet families where they are--literally.

In Missouri First Steps, we support children and families in their natural environment. From restaurants and grocery stores to family homes, our team wants to support parents in the place that works best for them.

Courtney and Juanequa' both work for First Steps, and they have children who've been through the program. Hear their stories on First Steps Forward, available wherever you get your podcasts.

10/02/2026

Wondering if your child is on their own timeline?

You’re not alone. In this episode of the First Steps Forward podcast, we hear from parents who’ve been there. Juanequa’ and Courtney have both had children go through the Missouri First Steps program.

Now, as Service Coordinators for First Steps, Juanequa' and Courtney support other parents as they navigate their child’s development. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

10/01/2026

Early intervention can support your child's development, so they grow to reach their full potential.

Zach Higgs, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), actually participated in the First Steps program as one of the children served in the early 90s. Now, he helps families as a First Steps provider.

Listen to the full episode of First Steps Forward wherever you get your podcasts.

09/30/2026

Every parent’s journey looks different. And sometimes, you need support from someone who truly understands.

In this episode of First Steps Forward, we hear from two of our Service Coordinators, Courtney and Juanequa’. Both of them have children who participated in the First Steps program. Now, they use their own experiences to support other parents navigating this journey. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

09/30/2026

Big news! 📢 Today, we are launching First Steps Forward, a new podcast to support parents of children with disabilities and developmental delays.

Our hosts, Howard Smith and Christina Narasimhan, are regional directors for St. Louis Area First Steps. They interview providers, service coordinators, and parents who have been through the program. We hope that listeners will feel less alone in their First Steps journey.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 👣

07/28/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Missouri First Steps is Missouri's statewide early intervention program for infants and toddlers, from birth to age 3, with developmental delays or disabilities.

At St. Louis Area First Steps, we proudly serve:

Region 1: St. Louis City and St. Charles County
Region 2: St. Louis County

Our General Information Brochure provides an overview of:

Who may be eligible for services
How the referral process works
What families can expect
How early intervention supports children in their everyday routines and natural environments

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, healthcare provider, educator, or community partner, we invite you to explore this resource and learn how Missouri First Steps helps children and families build strong foundations for lifelong success.

To learn more about eligibility or make a referral, visit:
https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/early-intervention/first-steps/parents

To make a referral or speak with our team, contact the St. Louis Area System Point of Entry (SPOE) Office at (314) 453-9203.

Please feel free to share this resource with anyone who may benefit!

06/30/2026

Check out this amazing resource in our neighborhood, that is truly changing lives, one diaper at a time! 🍼🩷
St. Louis Area Diaper Bank

Check out this link to find locations that provide diapers, training pants, and period kits throughout the community!

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank does not distribute diapers or period products directly, but rather partner with other nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers and social service agencies throughout the region to help get families the resources they need.

06/17/2026

The Inclusion Gallery is a therapeutic indoor play space where children of all abilities can play, learn, and connect side by side.

06/17/2026

Milestones matter!🌟

Track milestones from 2 months to 5 years with CDC's easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging child development; and find out what to do if there is ever a concern.

Download the "CDC's Milestone Tracker" app for free on both IOS, and Android devices in English and Spanish!

You can also access a desktop-friendly version through the attached link!

 Select the age of your child below to get started Infant(0-6 months) Baby(6-12 months) Toddler(12-30 months) 3 YearsOld 4 YearsOld 5 YearsOld