#1 Program I Would Look Into In Missouri - Missouri First Steps

            My first program I want to bring to Missouri residents with babies and toddlers under 3 years old is Missouri First Steps. This is for babies and toddlers who meet certain criteria. For babies they look at birth weight and APGAR scores and for toddlers they look at diagnosis and different developmental delays. This program has been wonderful for Maia in our home.

            First Steps provides different therapies in the home and through those therapies we have received some valuable equipment that we otherwise would likely not have. Maia has made the most improvement when we have been able to just stay home and receive these therapies in her comfort zone.

            Without first steps I doubt we would be where we are in her development with how often she has gotten ill and not been able to leave the house to go to outpatient therapy. Missouri First Steps is free if you have Missouri Medicaid or the Spenddown. But don’t worry if you don’t have either of those as before my daughter finally got approved via the spenddown, they have a premium of their own with different amounts. We only paid around $7 a month to receive services, so First Steps is very affordable if you are waiting on Medicaid or the spenddown.

            The therapist we see really feel like another support system. They get invested in their children and really do care. Just when you think you’re the only one excited about an improvement you see the excitement on their faces as well. They also are typically someone to recommend and suggest different things that they have seen in the past to help guide you in the right direction of specialist just from their past experiences with different patients.

            I am so thankful for our therapist we see and wish this program went beyond three years of age. It is crazy to think Maia will be aging out in March. and we will not be seeing her therapists any longer. If you need any help typically your pediatrician or Parents as Teacher coordinator can refer you and your child to First Steps. And if you are in another state than Missouri there is a chance that your state has a similar program. Make sure to ask your pediatrician for help! You are your child’s best advocate.

            For more information about Missouri First Steps eligibility information, how the referral works, or what the program is about check out their website: https://www.mofirststeps.com/.