Learn the Early Intervention system and become an informed, active part of your child's team.
About Families First
Families First is a free empowerment training on the basics of early intervention in the Philadelphia school system.
All families receiving early intervention services in Philadelphia are welcome.
Families First was developed and is taught by parents of children in Early Intervention, in partnership with nationally recognized professionals.
Upcoming Sessions
Register for the next virtual session on June 11.
June 11: What My Son with Autism Taught Me about Life
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Where: Zoom
Presenter: Jamiel Owens, Family Relations Coordinator for the Center for Autism Research at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Mr. Owens will join us to share his experience as the father of a teenager with autism.
He will discuss his journey with Early Intervention and resources in Philadelphia.
Accommodations: Request accommodations by June 4 by contacting Denise Beckett at dbeckett@temple.edu.
Questions: For questions, email Stacy Phillips at stacy.phillips@temple.edu.
Register for What My Son with Autism Taught Me about Life
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Recorded Families First Sessions
For information you need, watch our in-depth, recorded Families First webinars. Registration is required to access the free sessions.
Momma Chronicles Too (Coming Soon)
About: To provide support to each mother and child that we serve as well as the communities that we surround. Our ultimate goal is to shed the stigma that society has placed upon disabled parents and children.
Presented by: Latoya Maddox and Domonique Howell. Latoya Maddox is a mother with disabilities. Latoya is currently studying for her master's in public administration at Penn State World Campus and received her BSW from West Chester University. Latoya is the Senior Independent Living Specialist at Liberty Resources Inc. for Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Domonique Howell is a mother, has cerebral palsy, is a full-time wheelchair user, and a disability advocate. Currently she works as an independent living specialist for Liberty Resources Inc., a center for independent living in Philadelphia. Domonique is also the developer and founder of Momma Chronicles Too (founded in 2014), a support and advocacy group for mothers with disabilities and women guardians who have disabled children. Recorded May 2024.
Transition to Kindergarten Panel Discussion Webinar
For parents of children in Philadelphia starting kindergarten in September. Learn vital information about the Transition to Kindergarten process with a panel of experts: representatives from Elwyn Early Learning Services, The School District of Philadelphia, and The Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council (PICC). Recorded March 2024.
Request access to Transition to Kindergarten Panel Discussion
Let Your Loving Hands and Heart Go to Work
Knowing how to use your loving heart and hands to create calm moments is a wonderful thing. We all want more of those moments. Learn some ways to bring ease into your world and that of your family members.
Presented by Marianne Roche and hosted by Stacy Phillips, Project Coordinator for Educational and Leadership Development. Recorded January 2024.
Request access to Let Your Loving Hands and Heart Go to Work
We Are in This Together: Parent and Professional Perspectives for Supporting Your "Ausome" Neurodiverse Child
Discussion on the importance of collaboration and understanding between parents and professionals. The teamwork of parents and professionals in supporting each other to help their neurodiverse child achieve a life of possibilities is crucial to success.
Presented by Jamiel Owens, father of an "Ausome" teen and Family Relations Coordinator for the Center for Autism Research; and Jessica Lax, Psy.D., Clinical Director for SPIN. Hosted by Stacy Phillips, Project Coordinator for Educational and Leadership Development.
Recorded June 2023.
Request access to We Are in This Together
Addressing Social Emotional Development, Concerns and Challenging Behavior in Young Children
Presented by Kim Prendergast, ABC ITEI Coach and Team Support Consultant and Cynthia Gray, Early Intervention Training Coordinator, Thomas Jefferson University.
Recorded May 2023.
Request access to Addressing Social Emotional Development
Transition from an IFSP to an IEP, the Nuts and Bolts
Presented by Stacy Phillips, Institute on Disabilities Project Coordinator for Educational and Leadership Development; and Malinda Knipfer, Special Education Consultant.
Recorded November 2022.
Request access to Transition from an IFSP to an IEP, the Nuts and Bolts
Overview of the IFSP and IEP
Presented by Stacy Phillips, Institute on Disabilities Project Coordinator for Educational and Leadership Development; and Malinda Knipfer, Special Education Consultant.
Recorded October 2022.
Request access to Overview of the ISFP and IEP
Potty Training
Presented by Icylee Basketbill, Families First Trainer
Recorded September 2022.
Request access to Potty Training
Therapeutic Play with My Child
Presented by Kathryn Snyder, Parent to Child and Therapy Associates.
Recorded May 25, 2022.
Request access to Therapeutic Play with My Child
Advocacy Tips for Families
Presented by Jamie Ray-Leonetti, Associate Director of Policy, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.
Recorded April 11, 2022.
Request access to Advocacy Tips for Families
Assistive Technology for Families
Presented by Stacy Phillips, Project Coordinator for Leadership Development, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.
Recorded April 20, 2022.
Request access to Assistive Technology for Families
Families First offers you...
- Direction on how to be an effective member of the Early Intervention Team.
- A chance to meet other families with children who receive services.
- Information to help you be confident as an equal member in your child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Family Services Plan (IFSP).
Parents who attended Families First told us...
"I discovered the importance of developing a vision and goals for my child."
Families First is sponsored by:
- Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS)
- Elwyn Early Learning Services
- The Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council (PICC)
Families First is conducted by: The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education.
