Early Intervention Services

South Shore Mental Health has a long tradition of assisting young children and their families in overcoming various obstacles to development. We offer a range of programs and services that train and inform other professionals, community providers, and families how to more effectively meet a child's needs.

Step One Early Intervention
Administrative Offices:
500 Victory Road, Quincy

Parent-Child Groups:
Wollaston Congregational Church, 48 Winthrop Ave., Quincy

Toddler Groups:
2 Moon Island Road, Quincy

Step One Early Intervention evaluates and serves infants and children up to three years of age who display signs of becoming "at risk" for developmental delay. The program helps parents to recognize and understand their child's particular developmental needs, and suggests ways to help their child grow.

Children eligible for the program are those who were born prematurely; have feeding, vision, or hearing problems; are slow to sit, stand, walk, or talk; were born with a disability or health condition that affects their development; are at risk for delay due to family problems such as homelessness, substance abuse, or family violence. Services are provided by our infant/toddler specialists, including developmental educators; social workers; psychologists; physical, occupational and speech therapists; nurses; and music therapists. Services are provided in the family's home, community locations such as child care centers, and our Learning Centers.

Step One Integrated Toddler Enrichment Program
2 Moon Island Road, Quincy

The Step One Toddler Enrichment Program is a developmental playgroup for children between the ages of 18 and 36 months. It is open to children enrolled in the Step One Early Intervention Program as well as other children in the community. Each child receives a screening prior to enrollment. The program offers a structured learning environment with many opportunities for children to choose activities, play, and interact with peers. The group leader is a child development specialist with a college degree.

Step One Regional Consultation Program
500 Victory Road, Quincy

The Step One Regional Consultation Program serves children from birth to three years of age with significant medical and developmental needs. Through the provision of training, consultation, and resource and referral services, the program assists families, early intervention programs, and community-based programs for young children in meeting the needs of these children within their communities. The staff includes a special educator and an occupational therapist, as well as consultants in the fields of nursing, speech therapy, physical therapy, social work, and music therapy.