Stepping Stones Developmental Assessment Program

The Wheaton Franciscan- St. Joseph Campus Stepping Stones program works with infants and toddlers to help them develop in ways to reach their full potential. These children have entered the world with some physiological and medical challenges, and our goal is to overcome those challenges.

The babies we see usually needed intensive care after birth. Babies who are born too soon or spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit may be at risk for developmental delays. Sometimes babies who did not have difficulty at birth may be referred to us because the doctor or parent has concerns about the baby's development.

How Stepping Stones works
Our team of pediatric therapists and other specialists provide an initial assessment to identify your baby’s current level of development and recommend next steps. If we find that special attention is needed, we suggest home-based activities for your infant and also suggest referrals for ongoing therapy.

We also provide a report to your child’s primary doctor. Our evaluation and recommendations do not take the place of regular visits to your child’s doctor. Rather, Stepping Stones is another type of care that your child receives.

The Stepping Stones team
Many people make up the Stepping Stones team that works with your child. They include: 

• Parents: we need your participation every step of the way. You provide input, support the evaluation process and carry out next steps. 
• Physician: a board-certified pediatrician/neonatologist provides information to your baby’s primary care doctor. 
• Nurse: a pediatric nurse reviews and updates health and social history. 
• Pediatric Physical Therapist: this team member tests your child’s motor development, muscle tone, flexibility and the overall impact on your child’s development. 
• Pediatric Occupational Therapist: this clinician tests fine motor and thinking skills using standardized tests and observation. 
• Pediatric Speech / Feeding Specialist: this specialist reviews your child’s language skills – what he or she understands and what your child says. If your child has feeding issues, these will also be evaluated.

The team may also include a nutritionist and social worker.

Insurance coverage and Stepping Stones
Your health insurance will be billed for this service. If you are in an HMO, we will need a referral from your child’s primary doctor. We suggest you contact your insurance provider to determine whether this is a covered service for your child. Please call us if you have questions.

How to make an appointment
The Stepping Stones program has a staggered, but regularly scheduled, approach to how we work with your child: 

• The first visit is usually at six months "adjusted" age. (We count from the baby's due date, not actual birth date.) If your baby was born at 28 weeks or younger and/or had a low birth weight, he or she may be seen at 3 months adjusted age with a follow-up at 6 months. 
• Our physical therapists will see your child at 6- and 18-month visits.
• Our occupational therapist and speech/feeding specialist will see your child at 18-and 30-month visits.

To make an appointment: 

• You may schedule an appointment yourself 
• Your doctor may also make a referral if he or she has concerns about your child’s development. 
• And, if your child was in our neonatal intensive care unit, the neonatologist may also suggest that your child undergo a Stepping Stones evaluation.

For more information
For more information about the Stepping Stones neonatal development assessment program, or to make an appointment, please contact the Stepping Stones Program Director at (414) 447-2467.