Community Outreach & Advocacy — Woburn, MA
First Steps Developmental Services Education, Awareness & Advocacy

Community Outreach & Advocacy

Promoting understanding, inclusion, and shared community support.

Community Outreach & Advocacy at First Steps Developmental Services reflects our commitment to supporting children and families not only within our center, but throughout the broader community. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, we work to promote understanding, inclusion, and shared responsibility for supporting young children.

20+
Years in Community
3
Languages Served
MA
Licensed Clinicians
Free
Support Call
Community members and families participating in a First Steps Developmental Services outreach event

Promoting Community Understanding and Inclusion Through Advocacy

First Steps Developmental Services is committed to sharing knowledge, supporting families, and contributing to the broader special education and ABA community through collaboration, education, and advocacy.

Our outreach and advocacy efforts focus on education, awareness, and collaboration with families, educators, and community partners. These activities are not therapy services and do not involve individualized treatment or intervention. Instead, they are designed to strengthen community understanding and support systems that benefit children and families.

To learn about individualized family support, visit our caregiver and parent coaching services page.

First Steps ABA center community setting supporting children and families in Woburn

You don't have to figure this out alone

Guiding your First Steps to lifelong success.

For parents of children under age 6 with autism and Down syndrome

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Feeling overwhelmed?

We offer a free 30-minute parent support call to help you understand your child, talk through challenges, and figure out next steps — no pressure to start services.

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Core Outreach & Advocacy Areas

Collaboration between First Steps Developmental Services and community organizations supporting families

Community Partnerships

Collaboration with local organizations, programs, and service providers to support families and promote shared goals around early childhood development and inclusion.

Parent and family advocacy support at a community event

Parent & Family Advocacy

Advocacy efforts that help amplify parent voices, encourage informed decision-making, and support families as they navigate developmental services and resources. See our assessment and treatment planning process.

Families and educators at a community education event hosted by First Steps Developmental Services

Educational & Community Events

Participation in community events, informational sessions, and awareness initiatives focused on early development, autism, and family support.

Professional collaboration with educators and childcare providers

Professional Collaboration

Engagement with educators, childcare providers, and community professionals to encourage consistency, understanding, and inclusive practices across settings. See how we support school and daycare consultation.

Awareness and inclusion initiative promoting acceptance for children of all abilities

Awareness & Inclusion Initiatives

Efforts aimed at promoting acceptance, understanding, and inclusive environments for children of all abilities within the community.

Educational resources and guidance being shared with families and partners

Resource Sharing & Guidance

Providing families and partners with educational resources, tools, and general guidance to support children in everyday environments.

What to Expect

Educational & Advocacy Focus

Outreach activities are centered on awareness, collaboration, and education—not therapy or individualized services.

Community-Based Engagement

Efforts may take place through partnerships, events, and collaborative initiatives across the community.

Shared Values & Respect

All outreach reflects our commitment to respect, inclusion, and family-centered practices.

Ongoing Development

With over 20 years of experience, our team understands the needs of young children and families. We provide thoughtful guidance, ongoing support, and collaborative care throughout the therapy process.

Academic & Professional Collaboration

First Steps Developmental Services partners with respected academic institutions to support the education and training of future behavior analysts. By combining strong academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience in our ABA center in Woburn, graduate students gain meaningful, real-world experience working with young children while applying evidence-based practices. Outreach and advocacy efforts may evolve over time based on community needs and opportunities.

Questions About Community Outreach & Advocacy

These questions address how First Steps Developmental Services approaches community outreach and autism advocacy in Massachusetts.

Is Community Outreach & Advocacy a therapy service?

No. Community Outreach & Advocacy does not include therapy, assessments, or treatment. It focuses on education, collaboration, and awareness.

Who can participate in outreach efforts?

Outreach activities may involve families, educators, community organizations, and professional partners.

Do advocacy efforts replace center-based services?

No. Advocacy and outreach complement our center-based services but do not replace individualized support.

How can organizations collaborate with First Steps Developmental Services?

Community partners are welcome to reach out to explore collaboration opportunities aligned with shared values and goals.

What areas does First Steps Developmental Services' community outreach focus on?

First Steps Developmental Services' community outreach focuses on six areas: community partnerships, parent and family advocacy, educational and community events, professional collaboration, awareness and inclusion initiatives, and resource sharing and guidance.

Does First Steps Developmental Services partner with academic institutions?

Yes. First Steps Developmental Services partners with academic institutions to support the education and training of future behavior analysts, combining academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience in our center.

What Families Say

5/55 reviews on Google

Ma Parent

★★★★★

Enrolling our son at first steps has been one of the absolute best decisions we have made for our family. The difference in him today compared to when he first started is almost night and day. We have seen incredible progress in his speech and language development, his emotional intelligence, and his ability to self-regulate. Watching him grow, communicate so much more effectively, and navigate his emotions with confidence has been incredible.

The center itself is top-tier. It is always exceptionally clean, bright, and welcoming, and the entire team is deeply dedicated to helping my son gain the skills he needs in a fun environment.

As a working parent, I cannot express enough how grateful I am for their accommodation and flexibility. Whenever unexpected work schedule changes pop up last-minute, they are always so sweet, understanding, and willing to work with us.

What sets them apart most is how truly collaborative they are. They actually listen to my input as a parent and seamlessly implement our family goals into his routine.

Our parent meetings are consistently insightful, filled with practical, helpful tips we can use at home, and structured so well. He truly loves going here, and the staff's kindness and expertise mean everything to us. I cannot recommend First Steps highly enough!

William McGuinn

★★★★★

I have known Jarrod for over twenty years. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, consistently professional, and genuinely caring in everything he does. He is someone you can trust and rely on. I highly recommend working with him and his team.

Kevin Schlichenmeyer

★★★★★

The founder of this program has over 20 years experience in training and professional development and has been passionate about helping families just as long. This is a strong clinician-led organization with a focus on meaningful outcomes.

Casey Clay

★★★★★

Great company with a team of highly experienced experts. First Steps understands what kids need and how to get it to them compassionately and effectively.

Take the first step

Ready to learn more? We offer a free 30-minute parent support call — no pressure, no commitment. Or send us a message and we'll be in touch.

Insurance We Accept

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care logo Tufts Health Plan logo Carelon Behavioral Health logo Blue Cross Blue Shield logo Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership logo Aetna logo Fallon Health logo Health New England logo