The FIRST STEP program includes training for the children and their significant others outside of the Center. Helping the parents to learn how to maximize interaction with their child in environments other than their home and our Center is a specific goal for the STEPpin' OUT program.

Why do we need the STEPpin' OUT program ?

We feel strongly that in order for our FIRST STEPpers to maximize the benefit of the things that they have learned during their program time, that they must be able to generalize those skills to other environments. This generalization process requires familiarizing the child in what to expect in these chosen environments and then teaching the parents to know how to react, interact and what to expect from their child.

Who is included in the STEPpin' OUT program?

This program is designed for the parents and significant others of our children with special needs. The child and the parent are accompanied by one of our trained staff to locations of the parent's choice.

Where is the STEPpin' OUT program scheduled?

The STEPpin' OUT program is designed to assist parents in taking their child to various locations that they may frequent in their daily lives. For example, the parent may choose specific restaurants where family dinners are scheduled. Perhaps they would like STEPpin' OUT to the grocery store which is a weekly necessity. Some of our parents schedule STEPpin' OUT programs to their vacation destinations.

When is the STEPpin' OUT program scheduled?

STEPpin' OUT is scheduled after or before FIRST STEP program hours, in evenings and on weekends.