First Steps Forward Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:28:05 -0500 https://firststepsforward.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 First Steps Forward yes Missouri, USA 5cf76e88-1bc4-5e97-a705-f3e71cfcccd6 Benchmark Human Services episodic false Welcome to First Steps Forward! We're here to help parents and caregivers learn about developmental milestones for children ages birth to three and the resources available to support your child's growth. 


First Steps Forward is produced by Benchmark Human Services, a First Steps System Point of Entry (SPOE) provider in Regions 1 and 2 of Missouri. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) early intervention, first steps, infants and toddlers, developmental milestones, developmental disabilities, early childhood education Benchmark Human Services https://storage.buzzsprout.com/migr8pxlhvrxfa9wh344zhmzews9?.jpg First Steps Forward https://firststepsforward.buzzsprout.com Support for Parents, from Staff Who've Been There Support for Parents, from Staff Who've Been There When you're seeking support for your child, it's nice to work with someone who's been in your shoes. 

In this episode, we hear from two parents-turned-providers, Courtney Stites and Juanequa' Hardieway. Courtney and Juanequa' both have children who have been through the First Steps program, and now, they work as First Steps Service Coordinators to help other families through the process. 


First Steps Forward is hosted by Benchmark Human Services, a First Steps System Point of Entry (SPOE) provider in Regions 1 and 2 of Missouri. New episodes premiere once every three months. 

Interested in submitting a referral? Please call us at (314) 453-9203. 


Learn more about Missouri First Steps: dese.mo.gov/childhood

Explore the CDC Milestone Tracker app: cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app

Follow us on Facebook: St. Louis Area First Steps

]]> When you're seeking support for your child, it's nice to work with someone who's been in your shoes. 

In this episode, we hear from two parents-turned-providers, Courtney Stites and Juanequa' Hardieway. Courtney and Juanequa' both have children who have been through the First Steps program, and now, they work as First Steps Service Coordinators to help other families through the process. 


First Steps Forward is hosted by Benchmark Human Services, a First Steps System Point of Entry (SPOE) provider in Regions 1 and 2 of Missouri. New episodes premiere once every three months. 

Interested in submitting a referral? Please call us at (314) 453-9203. 


Learn more about Missouri First Steps: dese.mo.gov/childhood

Explore the CDC Milestone Tracker app: cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app

Follow us on Facebook: St. Louis Area First Steps

]]> Benchmark Human Services Buzzsprout-19712354 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0500 2564 first steps, early intervention, developmental milestones, early childhood development, babies, toddlers, parenting, parenthood, disability, early childhood education, education, social services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, missouri 1 full false Welcome to First Steps Forward! Welcome to First Steps Forward! If you feel like your baby or toddler is on their own timeline, you're not alone. 

First Steps Forward helps parents and caregivers learn about developmental milestones and the resources available to support each child's growth. Our hosts, Howard Smith and Christina Narasimhan, work for a System Point of Entry (SPOE) provider in Missouri. 

In this introductory episode, Howard and Christina tell you what you can expect from the First Steps Forward podcast, and they describe their work in the Missouri First Steps program. 

View the Missouri First Steps regional map and find your local provider: dese.mo.gov/childhood


First Steps Forward is hosted by Benchmark Human Services, a First Steps System Point of Entry (SPOE) provider in Regions 1 and 2 of Missouri. New episodes premiere once every three months. 

Interested in submitting a referral? Please call us at (314) 453-9203. 


Learn more about Missouri First Steps: dese.mo.gov/childhood

Explore the CDC Milestone Tracker app: cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app

Follow us on Facebook: St. Louis Area First Steps

]]> If you feel like your baby or toddler is on their own timeline, you're not alone. 

First Steps Forward helps parents and caregivers learn about developmental milestones and the resources available to support each child's growth. Our hosts, Howard Smith and Christina Narasimhan, work for a System Point of Entry (SPOE) provider in Missouri. 

In this introductory episode, Howard and Christina tell you what you can expect from the First Steps Forward podcast, and they describe their work in the Missouri First Steps program. 

View the Missouri First Steps regional map and find your local provider: dese.mo.gov/childhood


First Steps Forward is hosted by Benchmark Human Services, a First Steps System Point of Entry (SPOE) provider in Regions 1 and 2 of Missouri. New episodes premiere once every three months. 

Interested in submitting a referral? Please call us at (314) 453-9203. 


Learn more about Missouri First Steps: dese.mo.gov/childhood

Explore the CDC Milestone Tracker app: cdc.gov/act-early/milestones-app

Follow us on Facebook: St. Louis Area First Steps

]]> Benchmark Human Services Buzzsprout-19712117 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0500 473 first steps, early intervention, developmental milestones, early childhood development, babies, toddlers, parenting, parenthood, disability, early childhood education, education, social services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, missouri trailer false