Central Indiana First Steps

Is your child in care? First Steps can partner with you and your childcare provider to support your child’s development. Learn more at: https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/parents/first-steps

Neural Nugget: Babies who are talked to frequently know about 300 more words by age 2 than babies who hear fewer words, giving them a stronger foundation for language and learning.

One of the best ways to support healthy brain development is through serve-and-return interactions: the back-and-forth of talking, playing, making faces, and responding to your baby's sounds and cues. These everyday moments help build the brain, one interaction at a time.

Curious about what's happening inside your baby's brain? Explore our Baby Brain Map, an interactive guide that makes the science of early brain development easy to understand and put into practice: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

It's July and it's hot outside but winter is coming fast! If you live in Hamilton County and your child needs a winter coat, registration opens August 1st. https://kidscoats.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTUP3lwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUNOSEgxUGFHV3MyakV0anBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEedViW0iyb4dQeZMv31PwExDG_xvLVsmzonpOPOkmj5sOG_8tyiY__dylCJic_aem_j62tBdc30-tNIb2GRo84mg

Hamilton County Kids Coats Kids Coats collects coats and other winter gear for children and their families in Hamilton County, Indiana.

TODAY and TOMORROW! Join us for Backpacks 4 Good - Friday and Saturday at one of our two Indianapolis locations.

Friday: Greenwood. 107 N. State Road 135. 11-1
Saturday: Fishers. 8350 Sunlight Dr. 11-1

Need help understanding Medicaid waivers? Use the link below for more information and guidance. https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/medicaid-waiver/

💙 Family Support Waiver Navigation

Understanding Medicaid Waiver services can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate the process alone.

The Autism Society of Indiana provides resources and information to help families understand Indiana's Medicaid Waiver programs, eligibility requirements, available services, and how these supports can promote independence and improve quality of life.

Whether you're just beginning the process or exploring additional supports, access to the right information can make all the difference.

Learn more: https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/medicaid-waiver/

Celebrate education with the Indianapolis Urban League at our annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway & Block Party on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Begins at 10:00 a.m. at 777 Indiana Avenue.

FREE Backpacks with school supplies, health screenings, food, and live entertainment. Children must be present to receive a backpack.

Visit the Health and Education Zones for free health screenings for youth, haircuts, stop by the mobile library and receive a free book, and more. For parents, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol screenings, and resources from more than 90 community organizations for parents and youth, including voter registration and affordable extracurricular activities.

In the Kids Zone, enjoy face painting, the bounce house, photos with cartoon characters and mascots, obstacle course and more!

Letz Get it POPPIN with DJ Chocolate Shake, DJ Kenny Kixx, local performers, and Cupid on the center stage! Join the fun while showing off your dance moves with friends, line dancing group, sorority, fraternity, or fitness workout group!

We still need volunteers for this event. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ougn50Zlj0P

Sharing from an Indiana BMV newsletter:

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is pleased to announce that parents and caregivers of children or adults with specific, diagnosed levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are now eligible to receive a disability parking placard. We recognize that assisting individuals with autism in busy parking lots can be difficult and potentially unsafe. Having access to disability parking will help families and caregivers park closer to building entrances, reducing risk and making outings safer and more manageable.

Eligibility
Parents or caregivers may apply for a disability placard on behalf of an individual diagnosed with:

Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder (“requiring substantial support”), or
Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (“requiring very substantial support”).
Applying for the Disability Placard
Parents or caregivers will need to complete an Application for Disability License Plate or Parking Placard (State Form 42070).
https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=5031

Section 1 should be completed using the individual living with autism's information. Section 2 should be completed with the caregiver's information.

Who Can Sign State Form 42070?
Section 4, The professional certification section of Indiana’s disability placard application (State Form 42070), may be completed by:
A physician with a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
A physician who is a commissioned medical officer of the armed forces of the United States or the United States Public Health Service.
A physician who is a medical officer of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
A chiropractor with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-10-1. A podiatrist with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-29-1.
An advanced practice registered nurse with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-23.
A physician assistant with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-27.5.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist with a valid and unrestricted license to practice optometry or ophthalmology in Indiana.

Next Steps for the Parent or Guardian
The applicant must sign all required areas of the application.
Since the applicant is a minor or an adult who cannot sign, a parent may sign on their behalf—no power of attorney is needed.
If someone else is signing for a disabled applicant, they must provide:
Documentation granting signing authority (such as power of attorney or guardianship papers),
Their position of authority printed next to the signature (e.g., “parent/guardian” or “POA”), and
A state issued driver’s license or identification card.

Questions or Concerns
Any questions or concerns can be emailed to the BMV Registrations department. [email protected]

In the US, it is estimated that 1 in 31 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Check out the article from Franciscan Health regarding some common signs of autism and contact First Steps for an evaluation at no cost to you if you suspect any issues with your child. Early treatment can make a significant impact on long-term outcomes. https://www.cibaby.org/make-a-referral

Did you know that 1 in 31 children in the US are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? The signs of autism can be subtle and may appear as early as six months of age. Early treatment makes a difference in long-term outcomes.
https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/autism-spectrum-disorder-signs

🚨 Mark your calendars for Friday, July 17th, from 12:00-1:30 PM EST! 🚨

We’re excited to bring you the next session in our Family-Caregiver Support Series! 🎉

This time, we're diving deep into Waivers, featuring insights from Heather Dane

✨ Bonus? It’s completely FREE to attend! ✨

Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or community advocate, you won't want to miss this! 🙌

🔗 Register now and be a part of the conversation! https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2usIWtbcHiDuR0

Indiana University Project ECHO Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Kate McGill-Brown Elmira Ferris Suzy Smith

Ready to level up your teaching skills—for free? 🚀 Thanks to the United Way of Central Indiana, eligible early childhood educators can attend this year’s Professional Development Conference at no cost. Walk away with practical classroom strategies, official PD hours and a stronger network of local peers.

🗓 Saturday, October 24
📍 Embassy Suites Event Center | Plainfield, IN

Open to organizations in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. Free spots are limited.

Register today: https://earlylearningin.org/early-childhood-educator-professional-development-conference/