Southwest Indiana AHEC coordinates First Steps IPE Workshop for USI, UE students

Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (AHEC) coordinated a First Steps interprofessional education (IPE) workshop at the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences on October 21 for 110 students in health professions programs at the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville. 

First Steps is Indiana’s early intervention program for children (birth to age 3) who would benefit from additional support to meet their developmental milestones. 

Connie Young, Director of Training and Outreach for the Indiana State First Steps Intervention Program, opened the workshop with an overview of the state program, followed by a panel discussion with parents and professionals, lunch and a case study activity. 

USI occupational therapy students joined UE physical therapy and physician assistant students to learn about the First Steps referral process and participate in the case study breakout groups, mock Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings, to experience the teaming and collaboration necessary between the family members, service coordinator and early intervention providers.  

“It was an incredible day of learning,” says Young. "My hope is that the students will take their experiences into their work as professionals in their respective fields.”   

Bailee Cederholm, a first-year student in USI’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program, agreed. “As someone planning on going into pediatrics, learning about First Steps and early intervention was a helpful introduction into the field," she says. "I also found that collaborating with other disciplines was beneficial for our futures as occupational therapists.” 

Dr. Michele Chaleunphonh, USI Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, was one of the workshop planners. “It is important that students learn about Indiana’s First Steps program because it provides critical early intervention services for children who have developmental delays or disabilities," she says. “Understanding this program equips future professionals and educators to identify needs early, connect families to resources and promote optimal child development during the most formative years.”