Step By Step, Inc. was recently awarded a grant from All One Foundation to support Step By Step’s Children’s Services “IDEA Program.”
Step By Step’s IDEA Program (Immediate Diagnosis & Early Assistance) was formed to combat long waiting lists families often experience to receive services after an autism diagnosis has been made.
The “IDEA Program” allows children to receive services immediately following the assessment and diagnosis of autism. The “IDEA Program” enables both the child and family to transition into the next level of service, while also serving as an extensive training opportunity for parents and caregivers.
The “IDEA Program” serves children between the ages of 2-5. Referrals come from multiple sources, including the CATCH Team, Geisinger ADMI Clinic, County Mental Health/Intellectual Disability Services, Early Intervention Services, Pediatricians or self-referral. Once the assessments are completed by the IDEA team, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will develop and schedule the child and family for future visits.
Visits will be scheduled based on the child’s needs. At these visits, the BCBA will work with the child on his/her individual skills while helping the parent learn the most effective ways to help their child. These services will be provided at Wyoming Valley Children’s Association.
For more information regarding Step By Step’s “IDEA Program,” contact Margaret Lukaszewski, Northeast Region Vice President at mlukaszewski@stepbystepusa.com or 570-829-3477.
Step By Step, Inc., is a private, non-profit corporation devoted to the provision of community support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, behavioral health difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, and physical disabilities.
Established in 1977, the agency today provides services to over 2,000 individuals in four regions across more than a dozen Pennsylvania counties.
Photo: From left, are George Rable, board chairperson, Step By Step; Christina Montiginey, clinical supervisor, Step By Step; John Cosgrove, executive director, AllOne Foundation; Michael Bernatovich, CEO, Step By Step; Meg Lukaszewski, vice president northeast region, Step By Step; John McElwee, consultant, Step By Step.
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