Cost: Free to IOTA members, $15 for non-members 

IOTA CEUs = 1.5 

Current First Steps Providers will receive 1.5 First Steps Annual Credentialing Hours

First Steps is Indiana's Early Intervention Program serving children from ages birth-3 years. During this event Connie Young, MA, ECE, First Steps Director of Training and Outreach, will provide an overview of Indiana First Steps, including the referral process, data on the number of referrals and providers, and provider enrollment and training. Colleen Wasemann, OTD, MS, OTR, First Steps OT Provider and co-owner of Feeding Friends, will share her experiences working in First Steps as a provider and agency director, as well as information on mentorship and best practices for OT in early intervention. Presenters and participants will engage in discussion about  enrolling with First Steps, needs of current providers, and ideas for improved OT provider support and professional development. This event is for OT practitioners at all levels of engagement in First Steps, including students interested in First Steps, OT practitioners considering becoming First Steps providers, and OT practitioners currently providing First Step services. 

After this event, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the current state of Indiana First Steps, including child referrals and services provided. 

2. Describe the role of OT practitioners within Indiana First Steps. 

3. Describe the eligibility and referral process for Indiana First Steps and the role of OT in this process. 

4. Discuss potential ideas for improving OT services within Indiana First Steps (e.g. provider training and mentoring, increasing referrals, etc.)