Newsletter From West Central Early Steps by

The Family Cafe Conference (June 14-16,2024)

EarlySteps — 2024-04-24 19:16:16 UTC

The Annual Family Cafe is the premier event for Floridians with disabilities and their families, with all kinds of information, resources, and chances to connect with people like you. There's no registration fee for people with disabilities and their families!

You can register here: https://familycafe.net/annual-family-cafe/

Then, contact your Family Resource Specialist to see if we have any funding available to reimburse you for costs such as hotel and expenses.

Paula Burns (727) 767-6705 or paula.burns@jhmi.edu

EarlySteps — 2024-04-24 19:34:06 UTC

The Family Cafe Conference (June 14-16,2024)

EarlySteps — 2024-05-16 15:35:04 UTC

You can register here: https://familycafe.net/annual-family-cafe/

Then, contact your Family Resource Specialist to see if we have any funding available to reimburse you for costs such as hotel and expenses.

Paula Burns (727) 767-6705 or paula.burns@jhmi.edu

Summer Parent Training Series

EarlySteps — 2024-05-16 15:35:43 UTC

Pediatric Medical Grants

EarlySteps — 2024-05-16 15:36:34 UTC

Need Help Applying for Medicaid or Health Insurance? (Click Link Below Image)

EarlySteps — 2024-05-16 15:37:26 UTC

Pediatric Medical Grants

EarlySteps — 2024-05-16 19:06:34 UTC

Books, Balls & Blocks - June 12

EarlySteps — 2024-05-22 11:53:05 UTC

Books, Balls & Blocks - June 13

EarlySteps — 2024-05-22 11:53:48 UTC

Check Out Resource Portal

EarlySteps — 2024-05-24 17:41:57 UTC

New AI from FND to Assist Families

EarlySteps — 2024-05-30 13:44:19 UTC

Family Network on Disabilities has launched a new AI Information Page with bite-sized insights and practical tips on how AI can empower families, especially those touched by disabilities. Our new page offers quick, digestible content designed to be a valuable resource for families, educators, and advocates. Click www.fndusa.org/ai for more info!

Check Out Resource Portal

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 14:44:09 UTC

Family Cafe Conference - June 14-16, 2024

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 14:53:28 UTC

Since 1998, The Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking each June. There is no registration fee for individuals with disabilities and their families. Want to know what’s happening at The 26th Annual Family Cafe? View the full event program here!

Registration is now closed, but if you would like to drive over and register onsite (it's FREE) you can. Also, if you are interested and in need of funding to reimburse you for expenses, please reach out to Paula Burns for assistance before June 14!

Need Help Applying for Medicaid or Health Insurance? (Click Link Below Image)

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 14:53:53 UTC

https://www.familyhealthcarefdn.org/

Summer Parent Training Series

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 14:54:40 UTC

Music with Mar. Classes in St. Pete

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 14:57:58 UTC

If you are interested in attending Music with Mar. and need help with funding, please contact Paula Burns for assistance. If we have funding available, she can assist and provide you with a voucher to cover the cost of class.

Music with Mar. Classes in Palm Harbor

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 14:59:02 UTC

Community Resource Fair - Tuesday, June 11, 2024

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 15:02:30 UTC

Summer Break Spot - FREE Food

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 15:04:10 UTC

Early Steps Early Wishes at the Family Cafe - Playgroup For Families

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 15:05:06 UTC

We can't wait to see all of our Early Steps families at our statewide Early Steps Early Wishes Playgroup at The Family Cafe on Friday, June 14! This is a great way for you to meet other families just like yours and connect with all of the resources available to you in Florida!

Sign Up For Virtual Music with Mar. Reminder Emails

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 15:13:37 UTC

Celebrate Great! Share Feedback About Our Early Steps Staff

EarlySteps — 2024-06-04 15:26:48 UTC

Message From Paula

EarlySteps — 2024-06-05 15:02:41 UTC

Hello Early Steps families! Looking forward to seeing many of you at the 26th annual Family Cafe Conference soon. Don't forget to download the Padlet App so you can have this newsletter and all of the resources in our electronic file cabinet at your fingertips! Later this month I will be sending out a survey to everyone to get your ideas and input for Family Involvement opportunities for our next fiscal year. Please reach out to me via email or phone if I can be of assistance to you and your family.

Save The Date!

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 17:46:29 UTC

In case you missed it this year, mark your calendar for 2025!

This conference is FREE but Early Steps families can get limited financial assistance to help with expenses.

Each June, the Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking.

For more info: www.familycafe.net

Message From Paula

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 17:48:46 UTC

It's Back to School time and this can be challenging especially for families who's child is transitioning out of Early Steps at age 3 and starting Preschool. In this edition, you will find a presentation that will give you an idea of what to expect as your child approaches age 3. Check out my "From Early Steps to Preschool Presentation".

FREE Feelings Wheel Download

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 17:51:23 UTC

Kids have emotions from birth. But it takes many years to develop the language to express those feelings. When kids don’t have words, they might show their feelings through behavior. That can be a frustrating experience for everyone. The feelings wheel can help kids make connections between feelings, body sensations, and words. You can learn more by following this link: https://buff.ly/3QrExPg

Hurricane Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities from the Family Network on Disabilities

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 17:53:52 UTC

Early Literacy Resource Guide for Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 18:29:32 UTC

Information Provided by the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough

Music with Mar. Classes in Palm Harbor

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 18:30:07 UTC

If you are interested in attending, please contact Paula Burns. She will also provide you with a voucher to cover the cost of class if funding is available. paula.burns@jhmi.edu

Music with Mar. Classes in St. Pete

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 18:30:14 UTC

If you are interested in attending, please contact Paula Burns. She will also provide you with a voucher to cover the cost of class if funding is available. paula.burns@jhmi.edu

Sign Up For Virtual Music with Mar. Reminder Emails

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 18:30:24 UTC

Check Out Resource Portal

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 18:30:33 UTC

Celebrate Great! Share Feedback About Our Early Steps Program

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 18:30:42 UTC

From Early Steps to Preschool Presentation

EarlySteps — 2024-07-30 18:35:23 UTC

Message From Paula Burns

EarlySteps — 2024-09-23 18:54:24 UTC

In this edition you will find useful resources after the storm in addition to learning opportunities for you and your family. As always, if you need one-on-one assistance, please reach out. My contact information is on the front page of your Individual Family Support Plan.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 13:46:46 UTC

FEMA and its partners are positioned ahead of flooding and life-threatening storm surge from Hurricane Helene. Take action by listening to local officials and reviewing your emergency plans. After the storm, find assistance for individuals, families, state, local, tribal or territorial governments, and select private nonprofit organizations.

Red Cross Relief and Recovery Services

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 13:47:44 UTC

If you are in need of additional support following a disaster, please consult the Red Cross Resource Directory to find free and reduced cost services in your local community.

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 13:48:30 UTC

Learn About Early Steps Funding, Insurance and Billing

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 13:53:12 UTC

Sign Up For Virtual Music with Mar. Reminder Emails

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 13:54:05 UTC

Celebrate Great! Share Feedback About Our Early Steps Program

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 13:54:19 UTC

Welcome Wednesday Virtual Meetings For Early Steps Families (Multiple Date Options)

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 15:32:04 UTC

*Click Image To View Dates And Pre-Register For This Zoom Meeting. If you recently became eligible for our program this afternoon meeting hosted by our Family Resource Specialist, Paula Burns, will be the perfect opportunity to help you understand what to expect with our Early Steps program and answer any questions you may have.

Thankful Thursday Virtual Meetings For Early Steps Families (Multiple Date Options)

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 16:31:09 UTC

*Click Image To View Dates And Pre-Register For This Zoom Meeting. Join our Family Resource Specialist, Paula Burns for this mid-day meeting to meet other Early Steps families like your own and connect. Our Family Resource Specialist will share all the ways she can help you on your journey.

Transition Tuesday Virtual Meetings For Early Steps Families (Multiple Date Options)

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 16:51:05 UTC

*Click Image To View Dates And Pre-Register For This Zoom Secure Meeting. During this meeting you will have the opportunity to listen to our Family Resource Specialist, Paula Burns, explain what transition means in Early Steps and what will happen as your child ages out of the Early Steps program.

Meaningful Monday Virtual Meetings For Early Steps Families (Multiple Date Options)

EarlySteps — 2024-09-26 18:06:00 UTC

*Click Image To View Dates And Pre-Register For This Secure Zoom Meeting. Our program requires a lot of paperwork which can sometimes be overwhelming for families; but it is all very important. Attend this virtual meeting to find out about our Early Steps documentation (IFSP, Family Rights). You will also have the opportunity to ask any other questions you may have about our program.

How To Access Our Electronic File Cabinet Full Of Hundreds Of Resources

EarlySteps — 2024-10-02 18:17:27 UTC

Here's the direct link: www.padlet.com/EarlySteps/Resources

NICU Reunion

EarlySteps — 2024-10-02 18:33:09 UTC

Join us for our first Johns Hopkins All Children’s NICU Reunion in over 20 years. Come together to celebrate and reconnect with other NICU families, and past and present employees on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg.

Enjoy free entry, food trucks and more. Let’s honor our smallest heroes and their families in the NICU. Help share the flyer and RSVP for the event.

Meet Your Family Resource Specialist and other Early Steps families virtually on Thursday 11/7 at 2pm (click link to register)

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:08:36 UTC

Join our Family Resource Specialist, Paula Burns for this mid-day meeting to meet other Early Steps families like your own and connect. Our Family Resource Specialist will share all the ways she can help you on your journey.

How To Access Our Electronic File Cabinet Full Of Hundreds Of Resources

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:10:23 UTC

Here's the direct link: www.padlet.com/EarlySteps/Resources

Learn about your Family Rights in Early Steps on Monday 11/25 at 9am (click link to register)

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:12:13 UTC

Our program requires a lot of paperwork which can sometimes be overwhelming for families; but it is all very important. Attend this virtual meeting to find out about our Early Steps documentation (IFSP, Family Rights). You will also have the opportunity to ask any other questions you may have about our program.

Sign Up For Virtual Music with Mar. Reminder Emails

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:13:09 UTC

Message From Paula Burns, Your Family Resource Specialist

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:16:15 UTC

Included in this edition are some helpful post-storm resources for mental health, food assistance and parenting classes. I also have two available virtual meetings to help you get to know me, and what I can help you and your family with as you navigate our Early Steps program and beyond.

Visit our website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/all-childrens-hospital/services/west-central-early-steps

D-SNAP (Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ) is Available Now

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:19:59 UTC

Follow This Link to Pre-Register and Follow The Instructions: https://myflfamilies.com/DSNAP

Online pre-registration is OPEN for the following counties: Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota until Friday 11/8.

Immediate Mental Health Support Is Available

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:23:36 UTC

Pinellas County Food Pantry List

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:24:28 UTC

FREE Online Circle of Security Classes for Parents and Professionals

EarlySteps — 2024-11-04 13:25:54 UTC

Meet Your Family Resource Specialist and other Early Steps families virtually on Wednesday, 1/15 at 3pm (click link to register)

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:02:05 UTC

If you recently became eligible for our program this afternoon meeting hosted by our Family Resource Specialist, Paula Burns, will be the perfect opportunity to help you understand what to expect with our Early Steps program and answer any questions you may have.

Message From Paula Burns, Your Family Resource Specialist

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:02:13 UTC

My focus this month is connecting families to each other. Please look at the offerings I have available for you to learn about Early Steps and meet other families. Once you register and are confirmed in our program, you will receive the link for the meeting.

Celebrate Great! Share Feedback About Our Early Steps Program

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:03:00 UTC

Sign Up For Virtual Music with Mar. Reminder Emails

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:03:14 UTC

Meet Your Family Resource Specialist and other Early Steps families virtually on Thursday 2/6 at 2pm (click link to register)

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:05:19 UTC

Learn about your Family Rights in Early Steps on Monday 2/24 at 9am (click link to register)

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:05:58 UTC

How To Access Our Electronic File Cabinet Full Of Hundreds Of Resources

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:06:42 UTC

Here's the direct link: www.padlet.com/EarlySteps/Resources

Mark Your Calendar - Registration Opens 2/14

EarlySteps — 2025-01-07 20:07:03 UTC

This conference is FREE but Early Steps families can get limited financial assistance to help with expenses. Each June, the Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking. For more info: www.familycafe.net

Transition Tuesday Is For Families With Children Over Age 2 To Learn What Happens At Age 3 - Join Us For This Virtual Meeting on Tuesday 3/25 at 2pm. (Click Image To Register)

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:08:04 UTC

How To Access Our Electronic File Cabinet Full Of Hundreds Of Resources

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:08:30 UTC

Here's the direct link: www.padlet.com/EarlySteps/Resources

Registration Is Open - FREE Conference! Deadline For Hotel Financial Assistance is 4/1/25

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:08:54 UTC

Sign Up For Virtual Music with Mar. Reminder Emails

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:09:15 UTC

Celebrate Great! Share Feedback About Our Early Steps Program

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:09:33 UTC

View Previous Newsletter Editions

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:10:09 UTC

Welcome Wednesday Virtual Meetings For Early Steps Families (Multiple Date Options)

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:11:03 UTC

New To Our Program? This Virtual Meeting Is For YOU! Meet Your Family Resource Specialist And Learn What To Expect From Our Program. Meeting Is Virtual On Wednesday 4/16 at 3pm (Click Image To Register)

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:11:10 UTC

Message From Paula Burns, Your Family Resource Specialist

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:14:57 UTC

I'm excited to share our Parent Handbook with our Early Steps families. Even if you have been in our program for a while, it is a wonderful resource to understand and learn what to expect. Please also take a look at the meetings I have available for you to learn about Early Steps and meet other families.

Meet Your Family Resource Specialist And Other Early Steps Families Virtually On Thursday 5/1 At 2pm (Click Image To Register)

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 15:16:32 UTC

Early Steps Parent Handbook

EarlySteps — 2025-02-27 16:44:13 UTC

Our State Office has put this comprehensive guide together to help families to understand what to expect from our Early Steps program

April 1 at 2pm - Free Webinar

EarlySteps — 2025-02-28 18:41:01 UTC

You must pre-register here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E331320&id=378