First Steps - Northwest Indiana

01/30/2025

Preschool preview night at crown Point Library Monday, Feb 3rd.

Is your child starting preschool in 2025? Let us help you explore your options! Stop by the Crown Point Library on Monday, February 3, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. to connect with local preschools, ask questions, and get ready for the journey ahead.

This event is free and open to everyone, so bring a friend and get a head start on preschool planning. We can’t wait to see you!

01/30/2025

Tomorrow!

01/29/2025

Clothing giveaway this Saturday, February 1st. Clothing available for all ages.

Attention Lake County Families! 📣 The Lake County Juvenile Justice Complex is hosting a children's clothes giveaway this Saturday, Feb. 1st. Plus, you'll meet Lourdes and she'll help with all your childcare search queries. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to grab essentials for your little ones and get your childcare questions answered!

01/27/2025

Leaps and Bounds offer classes to promote play, socialization and learning. You can scan the QR Code to see schedules and sign up for class.

01/27/2025

Help Milestone spread some kindness by dropping off gently used clothing at the addresses below!

Join us for Milestone Therapy's 3rd Annual Clothing Drive! We’re collecting new or gently used clothing for children and adults, which will be donated to a local church with a free clothing outlet. 💛

📍 Donation Sites:

Highland, IN Clinic - 2906 Highway Ave
Merrillville, IN Clinic - 370 W 80th Place
Finance Office (inside Merrillville Clinic)
Franciscan Health Clinic - 20201 S Crawford Ave

📅 Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2025

Your generosity makes a difference—let's make this year’s drive a success! 🙌

01/23/2025

The Cooperative Special Education Initiative in Lake County provides recreational opportunities for Individuals of all
ages who have special abilities.

01/23/2025

Positioning and Play for Newborns!

This class will be presented by Kidworks, LLC’s physical therapist Jessica Sharp MPT

Jessica will present gross motor skills from 0-6 months as your baby begins to explore and play.

Topics will include:

• Head Control
• Hand-Eye Coordination
• Arm and Leg Movements
• Tummy Time
• Rolling
• Symmetry in Movement and Play

The therapist will be available for questions and discussion.

Signup for a class at: https://kidworksllc.com/free-monthly-classes/
Parents are asked to bring a small blanket. Class size is limited. Classes are offered monthly.

QUESTIONS? Call Dana Gibson at Associated Pediatricians, LLC at (219) 462-0555

Classes will be offered monthly (1st Tuesday of each month).

Classes will cover a wide range of topics suitable for various age groups.

01/23/2025

Free program for children ages 3-5 in Chesterton

01/23/2025

Take a look at these upcoming events at HealthLinc Michigan City!

01/21/2025

This frosty weather inspires a magical Ice Princess party. Visit Sugarbutter Bakery in Griffith for some delightful treats, meet and greets and photo opportunities all weekend!

01/17/2025

We are hiring, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available! Resumes can be sent to [email protected]. For more information, contact Mariann at (219) 764-4888.

01/15/2025

01/12/2025

𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙨. 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

A medical Autism diagnosis and an educational Autism identification each serve unique purposes.

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀

▪ 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: Determines if someone has Autism based on medical criteria.

▪ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Conducted by healthcare professionals using diagnostic tools.

▪ 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Guides treatment, interventions, and access to health-related supports.

𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

▪ 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: Determines if Autism-related behaviors affect learning and require special education services.

▪ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Conducted by school professionals through assessments and observations.

▪ 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Supports educational needs and accommodations in the school system.

Both may be needed to ensure a child receives the right support at school and in other areas of life. If your child already has a medical diagnosis, don’t forget to share the report with the school psychologist—it can be an important part of the process!

01/09/2025

Discover a new service offering for toddlers and preschoolers with ASD. In-home services are available in cities within a 30-minute drive of Chesterton, In. Scan the QR code on the flyer below for more information.

01/07/2025

If you would like more information on the School City of Hammond’s Birth to 5 program, scan the QR code below!

01/07/2025

Information on two micro pantries in Hammond for families to receive or donate nonperishable food and pantry items!

01/07/2025

January Mobile Market Calendars - Foodbank of Northwest Indiana

01/07/2025

Share innovative ideas, helpful strategies, the latest research and best practices with your colleagues at the Indiana Early Intervention Conference. Join a passionate group of early intervention professionals June 12-13 in Bloomington. If you’re interested in presenting, visit https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5cevFVD79y7yYn4.

Submit your proposal by Jan. 10.