First Steps

Give Your Child a Strong Start.

First Steps offers early therapy and support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, delivered and modeled in your home.

About This Program

What is First Steps?

First Steps is Missouri’s early intervention system that helps families support the growth and development of children from birth to three years of age who have developmental delays or disabilities.

The program connects families with the tools, resources, and professionals they need to:

  • Understand their child’s unique needs
  • Support learning and development at home and in the community
  • Increase their child’s participation in daily life
  • Obtain the assistance needed to address challenges related to development
  • Create the best environment for their child to thrive

Who is Eligible?

Children from birth to three years of age who have one of the following conditions:

Children from birth to three years of age who have one of the following conditions:

  • A diagnosed physical or mental condition associated with a developmental disability, or

  • An eligible diagnosis with a high probability of developmental delay, including newborn conditions, or

  • A developmental delay (50% or more) in one or more of the following areas:

    • Cognitive, communication, and adaptive development
    • Physical development – vision, hearing, etc.
    • Social or emotional development

Not sure if your child qualifies? Call us at (417) 886‑0404, we’ll help you find out.

What Services Does First Steps Offer?

If your child is eligible, you’ll be matched with a Service Coordinator who will:

  • Help you identify your child’s strengths and needs
  • Build a customized plan with your input
  • Connect you to therapy services like speech, physical, or occupational therapy
  • Coordinate services, including visits in your home or chosen setting

All services are tailored to your family’s needs and goals.

What Counties Does First Steps Serve?

Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Laclede, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, Wright

How Do I Make a Referral?

  1. Call Abilities First at (417) 886‑0404 (Option 1), 
or start a referral at fsrequest@abilitiesfirst.net

  2. Initial information will be collected during the intake process

  3. Your child will be evaluated to see if they qualify

  4. If eligible, services begin with your support team

Contact Us

In Their Own Words

Hear What People Are Saying

  • “I truly believe Lee’s advancements in his developmental milestones would not be the same without the help of our remarkable First Steps team. Our team consists of our Support Coordinator and five therapists. They have equipped our family with tools and strategies to incorporate into our daily lives to push Lee’s progress and growth. Our team has become a part of our family. They are our cheerleaders, teachers, and motivators.”

    — First Steps family

  • “First Steps has helped improve my daughter’s quality of life. At just two months old, she was diagnosed with a rare syndrome for which there is no cure. Despite this diagnosis, First Steps helped establish and work toward a series of goals and milestones. Without First Steps and its weekly therapy, she would not be at the level of development that she is today. We live over an hour away from any available outpatient therapy, and First Steps has been invaluable to our family because they come to us. It has been so wonderful having someone come to an environment where she is comfortable to help her grow and encourage her development. I am so grateful for all the incredible therapists who have made such a profound impact on my sweet daughter’s life.”

    — First Steps family