Family Support

For more information about resources, classes and support available to Early Steps families, read our newsletters:

Western Panhandle Early Steps

Family Resource Specialist

Irma Cofield

As your Family Resource Specialist (FRS), I have served with the Early Steps Program for 30 years. I know and understand the importance of family involvement in the development and care of your child. I have experienced the joys and concerns that go with caring for a child with special needs.

I am here to help you understand and navigate the Early Steps process, as well as provide you with information, opportunities, community resources, support groups, and steps for transition to Pre-K.

Please call or email for assistance.

Phone: 850-377-9991

icofield@ascension.org

Community Play Groups

Kindermusik

http://promo.kindermusik.com/

Diagnosis Specific Information

Down Syndrome

http://www.about-down-syndrome.com/

http://www.mamashealth.com/syndrome/downsyn.asp

http://www.medicinenet.com/down_syndrome/article.htm

http://www.trisomy.org/index.php

www.trisomyonline.org

Autism

http://firstsigns.org/

http://firstwordsproject.com/

http://www.autism-society.org

http://www.AutismPensacola.org

https://www.asecfl.com/

Cerebral Palsy http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/brain/cerebral_palsy.html

Cleft Lip

www.ccakids.org www.cleft.org www.cleftline.org www.smiletrain.org www.cleftadvocate.org www.widesmiles.org www.marchofdimes.com www.healthline.com/ http://www.cleftbooks.biz/

Hearing Impairment

http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/

Neurological

Pediatric Stroke Warriors of Pensacola

Contact: Rebecca Scherer

Phone: 352-572-9018

Email: rebeccascherer84@gmail.com

Informational Resources

Family Café

http://www.familycafe.net/

Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy

http://www.cpeip.fsu.edu/

Center for Parent Information and Resources http://www.parentcenterhub.org

Resources for kids with medical conditions

http://www.Bravekids.org

CDC Milestone Tracker

https://agesandstages.com/resource/cdc-milestone-tracker-app

Potty Training

https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1442-all-about-learning-to-use-the-toilet

Disaster Planning Information

Family Disaster Guides

http://www.floridadisaster.org/

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/rw_webmaster/prepareenglish042.pdf

Family Disaster Guide (Spanish)

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/rw_webmaster/preparesp04.pdf

Disaster Planning Kit

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html