First Steps Washtenaw supports parents and families in the preparation of their children for school by coordinating and delivering early childhood development and community services. First Steps Washtenaw is open to all families, with children ages 0-5, who live in Washtenaw County.
First Steps Washtenaw services include:
Home visits and individual family support
Parent/child playgroups
Parent support and information groups
Periodic screening to assess overall development including health, hearing and vision
Connections to quality preschool services
Connections to community resources
Integration with Early On and Good Start support family services
As a First Steps Washtenaw parent, you will learn how to:
Build your understanding of early childhood development and the role you play.
Define appropriate expectations for each developmental stage with supportive parent/child guidance.
Identify learning opportunities to enhance your child's intellectual, physical and social growth.
Use community resources and services to their fullest potential to benefit your family.
Each school district in the county has a FSW program. To get information on the program in your local school district, please visit: http://www.washtenawsuccessby6.org/parents/first-steps.
One important aspect of First Steps Washtenaw is to serve and support all families. To assure that all families are supported, First Steps Washtenaw has parent consultants that represent the Arabic, Asian, and Hispanic communities. They support these communities as well as the county in providing assistance in early childhood and community services.
Arabic Program Consultant
Karma Basha (734) 395-3731
Asian Program Consultant
Sue-Fen Lin (734) 395-4031
Hispanic Program Consultant
Mayra Prince (734)395-3973
Parents as Teachers
What is PAT? Parents as Teachers (PAT) is an international early childhood parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5.
http://www.patnc.org/aboutus-whatispat.asp
Early On Michigan
Early On Michigan is a system designed to coordinate early intervention and other services for families who have children (ages 0-3) experiencing developmental delays or who have disabilities or special needs.
Early On Michigan web site
http://1800earlyon.org
Early On Washtenaw web site
http://www.wash.k12.mi.us/specialed/earlyon.php
