What happens after First Steps?

Perhaps your child is turning three and you wonder…what happens now? The First Steps early intervention program in Kentucky ends when a child turns three. Fortunately, you have lots of options open to you at that time. If your child is eligible, he/she can attend public preschool and receive specialized instruction in a preschool classroom. Just like in First Steps, your child will be assessed to see if they qualify, based on delays.

Need more support? You can enroll your child in private therapy with professionals in the community (services like DI, speech, or OT). You have the freedom to decide what services are helpful to your child and enroll!

If your child attends preschool, it might be helpful to work with a DI in your home after school hours to learn how to implement the same play-based interventions that the preschool teacher uses at school…but at home. The DI can focus on what you want to learn more about based on concerns you see at home. Common concerns for parents are behavior issues, play skills, social interactions, and communication.

Want your child to stay home? You might want your three year old to spend their days at home and soak up the precious early childhood years playing together. That’s wonderful! A developmental interventionist can help you discover powerful learning experiences for your child in your own home and community, similar to what they would have in a preschool classroom.

Have a community-based preschool already selected for your child? That’s a great option, too. Maybe you want to enroll your child in a preschool/childcare other than the public school option. Your child can attend the center of your choice and then receive therapies outside of school time.

It can be a bit confusing, but the good news is you have lots of choices. Do what feels right for your child and your family!