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First Step Early Intervention Program

Via’s First Step Early Intervention Program provides therapeutic, screening and monitoring services for children who are diagnosed with developmental delays and those who are at risk for developing delays from birth through 8 years of age. View our First Step Information Brochure (PDF).

Assessments and Evaluations

First Step Early Intervention Program offers three types of evaluations – developmental (which evaluates motor, speech/language, adaptive, self-care, cognition and social/emotional), speech and language and occupational therapy. Each child who enters our program is assessed to determine appropriate placement. Our speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, early interventionists and developmental specialists conduct a formal evaluation to determine a child’s developmental level. The evaluation consists of 1 ½ - 2 hours direct and indirect assessment, clinical observation, parent interview, review of the child’s history and standardized testing if necessary. Caregivers receive a written report detailing the results of the evaluation, recommendation for services and measurable therapy goals.

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Speech/Language Therapy

Speech/language therapy is a specialized treatment to maximize a person’s ability to communicate with others. Our speech/language pathologists address several areas of communication: receptive and expressive language, articulation, fluency, voice, pragmatics/social language, oral motor and play. We offer both center and home-based speech and language services.

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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists address the child’s “occupations”. These occupations include feeding, sensory integration, motor development, play skills and social interactions. Our occupational therapists look at how the child’s disability, developmental delay or condition is impacting his or her ability to engage in everyday activities and routine. We offer both center and home-based occupational therapy services.

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Monitoring and Support of Children Born Prematurely

As part of our premature infant program, babies are visited 1 to 2 times per month by our early childhood educators or developmental specialists. Our team monitors development and provides early intervention services based on early signs of developmental disabilities or delays. We also provide support and education for parents so they can better monitor their child’s progress and recognize any signs of delay in development. This can be a tough time for parents and we try to keep them informed and connected with outside resources and support groups.

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Early Childhood Education

Via’s early childhood educators are skilled at using play-based techniques to promote growth in communication, cognition, motor skills, self-care and social/emotional development. We work with children up to 5 years of age who show signs of having a developmental disability or who are at risk for one. Via provides both home and center-based services that help get kids on track to enter the least restrictive educational or community based setting, such as preschool. Our home and center visits focus on providing parents and caregivers with appropriate tools to care for and support the development and growth of a child. Training at home can be an effective way to extend a child’s therapy into his or her everyday life.

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Community Screening and Assessment

KidConnections

The KidConnections program is an integral component of the FIRST 5 System of Care that includes the Santa Clara Mental Health Department, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Children’s Health Council, Parents Helping Parents, Kidango and more than 60 community-based organizations. This system of care is designed to create a safety net of services and supports for the county’s most vulnerable children and to improve the ability of families, schools and communities to prepare children to enter school ready to succeed. The collaborative team’s mission is to identify children at risk for developmental delays and to assist them in getting supportive services and referrals. Via’s KidConnections team provides comprehensive screenings and assessments to children birth to five with multiple risk factors who may not otherwise qualify for existing resources in the community. KidConnections uses a strength-based, family-centered and culturally sensitive approach to develop a shared understanding of a child’s development and to promote growth. Families, based on need, can be connected to a high quality preschool, a specialized home visitation program to support parents in promoting their child’s development, positive parenting strategies, mental health therapeutic services and other community resources.

California Early Start Program

The government mandates and funds services for children birth to 3 years of age who are at risk for developmental delays. These services are provided at no cost to families who qualify through the 21 Regional Centers in the State of California. Via Services works closely with the San Andreas Regional Center in Santa Clara to provide screenings and assessments for the children referred through California’s Early Start program. Three teams of First Step therapists and early childhood educators screen children for speech and developmental delays. Because of Via’s long time collaboration with the San Andreas Regional Center and the Santa Clara County Office of Education, we are recognized for our experience and expertise.

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Safe Steps Injury Prevention

Young children are often at risk of injury in their own homes, in vehicles, and in their own communities. Nationally, and in Santa Clara County the leading cause of death of young children is unintentional injury. Every parent wants to keep their children safe and healthy. However, it is not always easy to know and recognize the risks and dangers that young children face and how to deal with them. The Safe Steps program, launched by a grant from the Valley Foundation, provides presentations to parent groups, written materials, and safety kits to parents to increase their awareness of dangers and to provide ways to keep their children safe. Our Safe Steps presentations cover Home, Car, and Water Safety, Abuse Prevention and Parenting Skills, Medical Response, Disaster Safety, and Hidden Dangers. See our Resources section for additional information.

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Contract Services to Public Schools

Via’s speech/language pathologists and occupational therapists are available to provide contract services to public school districts. Typically school district contracts are made to cover long-term substitutions or vacant therapist positions. Via’s therapists provide quality therapy, assessments, IEP paperwork and meetings, participation in the IEP process, and professional interactions with teachers, parents, and the special education team. Via can help by providing therapy services to children on a short or long term basis. Please contact us if you are interested in services for your school.

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Corporate/Community Education

Identifying children who are showing signs of developmental delays or disabilities and providing them with services and supports, is Via’s most important role in the community. Via Services also strives to raise awareness of growth and developmental stages, enabling parents to recognize the signs of developmental delays. Our First Step team is available to speak to parents in the community either through company site visits or local community groups. Our team has spoken at large corporate campuses such as Sybase where they discussed early childhood development, school readiness and child safety. Parents were able to gain better insight into their child’s development and receive tools for monitoring their child through the stages of development. If you are interested in having our First Step team speak to your company or organization, please contact our Advancement Office at 408-243-7861.

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