"If only we had caught the problem earlier..."

Time is a very precious commodity, particularly when you are dealing with young children and their brain development. Small social or developmental problems today, without treatment or even delayed treatment, can become major problems in the future.

Numerous child development research studies consistently show that the first years of a child's life are the most crucial in terms of their learning and development. It is during these early years that the rate of human development and learning is the most rapid and the most receptive to positive teachings.

First Steps Early Intervention Program, a Lunenburg County based organization, believes that families with special needs children need help today and not tomorrow. With funding in part from the United Way of Lunenburg County, First Steps Early Intervention provides home-based assistance to local families whose children (birth to school entry) show signs of learning or developmental delay or impairment. Working with families, an Early Interventionist provides screening, ongoing observational assessment, and monitoring of the child's development.  The program also provides information, resources, activity suggestions and support to the family to help enhance the child's development and facilitate family capacity. United Way monies are used to increase their staff time by 20%, giving an additional 4-6 Lunenburg County families access to this program. United Way funding is also used to help provide playgroups (1-2 year) and special activities, along with workshops and information sessions.