Jarrod Scalzo, MSEd, BCBA, LABA

Founder and CEO

Jarrod Scalzo, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, Founder and CEO of First Steps Developmental Services, smiling in a professional blazer.

With over 20 years of experience in the autism education field, Jarrod Scalzo has dedicated his career to providing high-quality services to both children and their families. His passion lies not only in delivering exceptional care to the children he serves, but also in empowering and supporting caregivers throughout their journey.

Jarrod earned his Master’s degree in Severe Needs Special Education from Simmons University in 2009 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2014. Over the past two decades, he has worked across a variety of settings, striving to elevate the standard of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services and to mentor professionals at all levels in delivering evidence-based, compassionate care.

Jarrod founded First Steps Developmental Services, LLC with a clear mission: to help families lay a strong foundation for their child’s lifelong success. As a parent himself, he understands that nothing is more important than giving children the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning. First Steps was created by caregivers, for caregivers with the goal of equipping families with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to navigate the early developmental years with confidence.

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

Just got a diagnosis?

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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  • Clarity
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  • Next steps
  • No waitlist

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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