First Steps
Why First Steps?
Parents are a child's first teachers, and you are the most important part of your child's early growth and development. A child's brain grows and develops faster in the first five years than at any other time in his/her life. First Steps provides parent/child playgroups, developmental screenings, personal visits, a Parents as Teachers® Born to Learn Curriculum, and many other services. First Steps gives you and your child the building blocks to be prepared for success in school and life.
How do we get involved?
First Steps classes and activities are offered around Washtenaw County, some by individual school districts and some by Washtenaw Success by 6 – you can participate in the program that is the most convenient to you, and fits the needs of your family. As you read through this brochure you will find details on where classes and playgroups are held and who to contact. We encourage you to call the individual listed for the specific program you are interested in. You can also contact Beckie Brewis at 734-994- 8100, ext 2177 to talk about all of the First Steps options available throughout the county.
What will we do at First Steps?
We offer organized play groups and classes that include social play and interaction for the children, an organized activity, some shared music, singing and physical activity, a chance for parents to connect, and an opportunity to learn new skills and approaches to increase your ability to support your child. Each First Steps class is led by an early childhood education specialist qualified as a Parents as Teachers® parent educator. In addition to our regular classes and playgroups we offer parent education events, occasional field trips, developmental screening and access to resources on supporting your young children.
What does First Steps cost?
The costs of individual classes and playgroups vary depending on whether the class is sponsored by an individual school district or Washtenaw Success by 6. In general all programs have some kind of sliding scale, and program coordinators are committed to ensuring that everyone can attend, regardless of income. See the information about the program you are interested in for more details. We invite you to call or email the contacts in each district to learn more! You can also just drop in to the class to start your involvement.
