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 Ashley Murray
As your Family Resource Specialist (FRS), Irma has served with the Early Steps Program for 30 years. We know and understand the importance of family involvement in the development and care of your child. We have experienced the joys and concerns that go with caring for a child with special needs.
We are 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.
Irma’s Phone: 850-377-9991
icofield@ascension.org
Monday & Tuesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 12:00pm
Ashley’s Phone: 850-377-9058
ashley.murray2@ascension.org
Wednesday & Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm
Newsletters
English
JANUARY 2025
FEBRUARY 2025
MARCH 2025
APRIL 2025
MAY 2025
Español/Española
ENERO 2025
FEBRERO 2025
MARZO 2025
ABRIL 2025
MAYO 2025
Check out our Spring Newsletter for fun crafts and valuable resources!
SPRING 2025
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
Autism
http://www.AutismPensacola.org
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
Informational Resources
Family Café
Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy
Center for Parent Information and Resources http://www.parentcenterhub.org
Medical Diagnosis Resources
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