PROVIDERS: ABOUT THE FIRST STEPS PROGRAM

Countywide Coordination & Support provided by:

 

 

 

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3 is the countywide coordinator for the First Steps program.  AAP-CA3 is dedicated to achieving optimal health (physical, mental and social) for all children (infants, children, and adolescents) in San Diego and Imperial Counties, and is dedicated to supporting its’ membership in achieving this vision. Visit website.

First 5 First Steps is funded in part by the First 5 Commission of San Diego.  First 5 San Diego leads the San Diego community in promoting the vital importance of the first five years of life to the well-being of children, families and society.  Its goal is to strengthen the relationships essential for the healthy development of young children.  These relationships are embedded in health, learning, family, and community settings or environments. Visit website.

First 5 First Steps is funded in part by the CalWORKs Home Visiting Program. CalWORKs is a program that supports families in need by offering services such as, cash aid, welfare-to-work, Cal-Learn, child care and family stabilization. Its goal is to empower parents and support them in their journey to self-sufficiency. To learn more, visit their website.

FIRST 5 FIRST STEPS

The First 5 First Steps (First Steps) family support program provides home visiting services for pregnant women and families with children ages 0-3.  First Steps promotes positive parenting and enhances child health and development for families who may face hardships and stressors that place them at increased risk for poor health and developmental outcomes.  Our services are offered over the long term to prepare children to enter school as active learners and ensure that all children are healthy, loved and nurtured.

AN EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM

First Steps utilizes evidence-based programs that help promote positive parent-child interactions and build family self-sufficiency.  The Healthy Families America model and the Baby TALK curriculum have demonstrated positive outcomes for families such as decreased child neglect and maltreatment, improved parent-child interaction, and increased well-child visit attendance and immunization rates.

WE SERVE

Expectant parents and parents of infants and toddlers who reside in San Diego County and meet one or more of the following:

  • Low income (below 200% Federal Poverty Level)
  • Teens (ages 13-21)
  • Immigrants and refugees (foreign born parent)
  • Military (child is dependent of active duty, guard, reserve, or veteran service member)
  • CalWORKs beneficiary

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WE OFFER

Valuable services to families:

  • Provide prevention and early intervention home visitation services
  • Nurture the development of healthy relationships between parent and child
  • Enhance parent knowledge about growth and development of their child
  • Support positive parenting practices
  • Encourage sound safety practices
  • Customize services based on family strengths and needs
  • Promote parent and child well-being through support and education
  • Provide community referrals for parents and their children, including connections to a medical provider
  • Provide home visits beginning prenatally
  • Offer ongoing home visits until the child is 3 years old