| Early Steps Family Page
On this page you will find the following areas of interest:
Please check our Early Steps Families Calendar for upcoming events, workshops, support groups, playgroups and much more!
NEW! Growing Up With Books
Drop in for vision and hearing screens for young children by a skilled health care worker. Receive a family packet to encourage reading and related activities at home. Download brochure below for information on dates, times and locations.
Early Steps is excited to announce playgroups are now forming in your area!
Playgroups will provide Parents / Caregivers the opportunity:
Support from other parents / caregivers
To exchange ideas and solutions to the many challenges that arise
Playgroups will offer Children the opportunity:
Playgroups are open to families with a child(ren) 0-3 years of age. Playgroups will be meeting at local libraries, parks, community centers, churches, etc….and, are open to families receiving developmental services through Early Steps and other families in community who want an opportunity to connect with other families.
Message From the Early Steps State Office
Dear Families,
Summer is over and though I enjoyed every minute together with my family, I have to admit, I’m exhausted! Between juggling the many needs of our families, I think our needs sometimes get lost or forgotten. I am challenging you to take some time to remember what you need in order to continue to successfully balance everything in your life.
Below is a list of 10 items written for parents who have a child with a disability or delay that I first read when my son entered early intervention and has since helped me throughout his journey:
Take one day at a time, and take that day positively. You don’t have control over the future, but you do have control over today
Never underestimate your child’s potential. Allow them, encourage them, and expect them to develop to the best of their abilities.
Find and allow positive mentors: parents and professionals who can share with you their experience, advice, and support.
Provide and be involved with the most appropriate educational and learning environment for your child from infancy.
Keep in mind the feelings and needs of your spouse and your other children. Remind them that your child in Early Steps does not get more of your love just because they might get more of your time.
Answer only to your conscience; then you’ll be able to answer to your child. You need not to justify your actions to your friends or the public.
Be honest with your feelings. You can’t be a super-parent 24 hours a day. Allow yourself jealousy, anger, pity, frustration, and depression in small doses whenever necessary.
Be kind to yourself. Don’t focus continually on what needs to be done. Remember to look at what you’ve accomplished.
Stop and smell the roses. Take advantage of the fact that you have gained a special appreciation for the little miracles in life that others take for granted.
Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up with laughter can keep you from cracking up from stress.
Please take some time for yourself. You’ll be thankful and refreshed when you do!!!
Sincerest Regards,
Kelly Purvis, State Parent Consultant
Early Steps State Office
Helpful Websites
Center for Autism and Related Disorders www.centerforautism.com
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc www.ccswfl.org
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder www.CHADD.org
Deaf Services Center of Southwest Florida www.dsc.us |
