Wed, 03/14/2018
First Step Inc
407 Carson Street
Hot Springs
AR
71901
407 Carson Street
501-624-6468
71-0307372
Part II
First Step Inc
For 60 years, First Step has provided a variety of educational and therapeutic programs for infants, children, and adults with developmental disabilities and /or delays. We currently provide services for over 1500 clients, half of which are within Hot Springs and surrounding areas. We employ over 600 people in the Hot Springs facility alone. Programs offered include Early Intervention( Birth to 3 years of age), Developmental Treatment Services for Children( 12 months to 5 years of age), ABC Preschool ( Arkansas Better Chance for 3 and 4 year olds) , School Age, Adult Day Programs, in-home Personal Care, Waiver, Adult Supported Employment, ICF and Arkansas Early Autism Waiver.
$20,000
$14,000
Health & Safety
First Step Inc.- To promote the integration and independence of all people with disabilities.
First Step is a private non- profit DDTCS center, providing Early Intervention, Developmental Day Treatment for both preschool age children and adults, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, applied behavior analysis, residential services for both children and adults, supported employment, case management, waiver and personal care.
First Step is a private non- profit DDTCS center, providing Early Intervention, Developmental Day Treatment for both preschool age children and adults, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, applied behavior analysis, residential services for both children and adults, supported employment, case management, waiver and personal care.
The Developmental Treatment Clinic serves children ages 12 months through 5 years.
Description:
We serve children and adults with Developmental Delays and Disabilities.
We serve children and adults with Developmental Delays and Disabilities.
A tremendous amount of development takes place during a child's first five years of life. Our treatment rooms are furnished with developmentally appropriate materials and are arranged in learning centers. Having a variety of materials to work with is important as well as having materials that are safe and engaging for children. We want a child to complete a skill at least three times, for three different people, using three different materials. By following the rule of three we can help ensure that a child has generalized a skill and not just learned the skill by rote memorization.
Children receiving services in our program have a prescription from their primary care physician indicating the need for an evaluation. Children with a prescription are then evaluated by a Masters Level Special Education Teacher, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist or Speech Pathologist. A conference is then held with the parent to review and discuss any delays that were indicated during the evaluations. Developmental Therapy evaluates cognitive, social, adaptive, motor, and language development. A conference is then held with the parent to review and discuss any delays that were indicated during the evaluations. Children receiving Developmental Treatment services must show a delay of -2.0 SD in 2 areas on 2 different tests in at least 2 domains. An individualized Program Plan is then written that addresses each child's individual delays.
Children with developmental disabilities are able to improve their areas of delay with the intent of entering kindergarten with fewer supports than they would have without receiving Early Intervention Services.
Every child enrolled in the Developmental Treatment Clinic has an Individualized Program Plan addressing specific needs and delays. We will purchase materials needed to work on the specific goals and objectives contained in those plans. .
Purchase and replace materials and equipment needed to improve children's areas of delay and need.
Yes, we have been providing services for children for over 60 years. We actively write grants, fund raise, receive in- kind donations. Additional funding sources include Medicaid, Part C, and Title 20 and private insurance.
That children receiving services at First Step from early on will need less special education services in public school.
No
We collaborate with numerous community entities, churches, civic groups, DHS, DCFS, Health Dept., volunteers, vendors, and of course United Way/ Partnering agencies. In review of United Way Partners, we have children, adults, or families served who participated with each of the partners. As part of our intake process we do a through needs assessment for the family and often make referrals to other partner agencies. We often receive referrals from partner agencies. We have a strong reciprocal relationship with other nonprofits and work with them on a daily basis.
First Step uses an interdisciplinary approach, using multiple disciplines and refers to other partner agencies when needed. We schedule and lead transition conferences with families to make the process of moving to the next distinction of service as smooth and seamless as possible.
Part III
Staff, Consumers, facility, training, equipment, playground, client program plans.
To diversity our funding sources, by applying for grants such as this, to replace or replenish material and equipment used by consumers.
DEFINITION: Specific activities program enacted to meet objectives.
Describe what staff and participants actually did.
Example: Participants did (XYZ). Staff did (XYZ).
Individualized treatment plans that direct staff in working with each individual consumer to decrease areas of delay.
Consumers attend 5 days a week from 7:30-3:45.
Staff work on the individualized treatment plans with consumers and families.
Parent/guardian, working side by side with staff, are an integral and required part of the planning and implementation of the treatment plan.
Describe what staff and participants actually did.
Example: Participants did (XYZ). Staff did (XYZ).
Individualized treatment plans that direct staff in working with each individual consumer to decrease areas of delay.
Consumers attend 5 days a week from 7:30-3:45.
Staff work on the individualized treatment plans with consumers and families.
Parent/guardian, working side by side with staff, are an integral and required part of the planning and implementation of the treatment plan.
333 children in the developmental treatment clinic receiving services in Hot Springs, most clients receive services 5 days per week, Monday through Friday 7:30-3:45
To increase clients cognitive, motor, communication, social, and adaptive skills to become more age appropriate. Data is taken daily on the individual goals and objectives written.
Daily data is taken on goals and objectives and children have quarterly progress reports sent home to their families. Children are assessed annually for continued eligibility for the program.
Tears spring to my eyes when I think of how much progress Avery has made, since entering First Step. She started at First Step after she was diagnosed with autism at three years old. Her problems included sensory issues, communication difficulties, and behavior problems.
In the last two years, after very caring teachers, occupational therapy three times a week, speech therapy three times a week combined with high expectations, she has blossomed. She now smiles, laughs, greets everyone with a " Hi," and sings happily through most of her day. But, the best part is that she is happy! First Step began by teaching her to make better eye contact, speak to everyone, and use walking feet.
Her first classroom had to deal with some maladaptive behaviors. Those were overcome with consistency and time. She thrived in a positive and nurturing environment at the school. Everyone seemed to know and speak to her. That provided her a way to practice through the consistent role modeling.
The classroom she moved up to provided her with an environment more like kindergarten. She is required to sit at a table and circle time, which will provide practice for next year.
I could write a page about each teacher she has encountered. First of all, they go above and beyond in every way. A big thank you to Ms. Tess, Ms. Julie, Ms. Paula, Ms. Tiffany, Ms. amber and so many others from the directors to excellent class assistants. Some of her teachers have come to doctor appointments, gymnastics and her birthday party. They are always professional, friendly, amazing, and upbeat, but most of all they guide her to make good choices. The has offered opportunities for Avery to be successful, self- confident and happy.
In the last two years, after very caring teachers, occupational therapy three times a week, speech therapy three times a week combined with high expectations, she has blossomed. She now smiles, laughs, greets everyone with a " Hi," and sings happily through most of her day. But, the best part is that she is happy! First Step began by teaching her to make better eye contact, speak to everyone, and use walking feet.
Her first classroom had to deal with some maladaptive behaviors. Those were overcome with consistency and time. She thrived in a positive and nurturing environment at the school. Everyone seemed to know and speak to her. That provided her a way to practice through the consistent role modeling.
The classroom she moved up to provided her with an environment more like kindergarten. She is required to sit at a table and circle time, which will provide practice for next year.
I could write a page about each teacher she has encountered. First of all, they go above and beyond in every way. A big thank you to Ms. Tess, Ms. Julie, Ms. Paula, Ms. Tiffany, Ms. amber and so many others from the directors to excellent class assistants. Some of her teachers have come to doctor appointments, gymnastics and her birthday party. They are always professional, friendly, amazing, and upbeat, but most of all they guide her to make good choices. The has offered opportunities for Avery to be successful, self- confident and happy.
Part IV
FIRST STEP, INC. SCHEDULE II
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS Page 27
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017
NOTE A: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards reflects all federal financial
assistance available to fund operations of First Step, Inc. for the year ended June 30,
2017. No in-kind or cash matching funds are included. Medicaid funding received
totaled $32,457,133; $23,693,707 was federal funds and $8,763,426 was state funds.
NOTE B: BASIS OF PRESENTATION - The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal
awards (the Schedule) includes the federal award activity of First Step, Inc. under
programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2017. The information
in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code
of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because
the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of First Step, Inc., it is
not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets, or
cash flows of First Step, Inc.
NOTE C: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Expenditures reported
on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are
recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance wherein
certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.
NOTE D: INDIRECT COST RATE - First Step, Inc. has elected not to use the 10% de minimis
indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance.
NOTE E: There were no awards passed through to subrecipients.
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS Page 27
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017
NOTE A: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards reflects all federal financial
assistance available to fund operations of First Step, Inc. for the year ended June 30,
2017. No in-kind or cash matching funds are included. Medicaid funding received
totaled $32,457,133; $23,693,707 was federal funds and $8,763,426 was state funds.
NOTE B: BASIS OF PRESENTATION - The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal
awards (the Schedule) includes the federal award activity of First Step, Inc. under
programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2017. The information
in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code
of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because
the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of First Step, Inc., it is
not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets, or
cash flows of First Step, Inc.
NOTE C: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Expenditures reported
on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are
recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance wherein
certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.
NOTE D: INDIRECT COST RATE - First Step, Inc. has elected not to use the 10% de minimis
indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance.
NOTE E: There were no awards passed through to subrecipients.
The Board of Directors shall consist of up to fifteen members. The Board of Directors will elect a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer from its membership.
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Corporation and of the Board of Directors. He shall appoint all committees, with the approval of the Board, and supervise directly or indirectly their work, except the Nominating Committee. He may appoint special committees as required. He shall act as the executive officer of the Corporation and, in general, perform the duties usually associated with the office of president. He shall present an annual report to the membership immediately following the close of the fiscal year.
See By-Laws for more information
The Board of Directors will have 10 regular monthly meetings. The February meeting will be designated as the Annual Meeting. It may not be omitted.
- Were you able to pay all regular operational expenses within 60 days of the due date?
- Have you been able to maintain your 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt Status?
- Did you buy or sell real estate?
- Did your agency operate in a deficit within the past fiscal year?
Leigh Ann VanGorder
Part V
Part VI
Adult Developmental Day Treatment Talent Show April 28, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Horner Hall
Part VII
2t-3t girls & boys underwear and pants, winter coat (preschool sizes), diapers and wipes, kleenex,