FirstSteps was established in 2005 by five women known as the First Femmes, who were committed to truly supporting parents while providing the most fun and effective, empirically validated, behavior analytic treatment to children diagnosed with autism and related challenges.
Since 2005, we have grown substantially, always mindful of our mission to maintain a standard of excellence in all we do. We now provide services in both Northern and Southern California in our six FirstSteps Learning Centers.
We wanted to create a larger community...a village.... for our wonderful families, where they all would know that their needs were our absolute priority.
Laurie Deurmier, M.S., BCBA
First Femme and Program Director
First Femmes at leadership retreat, 2005
First Femmes at 20th Anniversary party, 2025
The FirstSteps Team is inspired by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their, fullest potential. To that end, our mission is twofold: to provide the best possible evidence- based, behavior analytic treatment to our children, and to offer a positive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment for our employees. We are committed to hiring and mentoring a passionate and dedicated team and providing an environment that fosters growth and learning for all. Our greatest reward is the progress of our kids and the knowledge that we are making a positive impact on our families and in our communities.
A mission that we love and look forward to sharing with you.
At FirstSteps, your family will be supported from your first call to your child’s last day of service when we celebrate your child’s and your family’s incredible learning and accomplishments.
Throughout your time at FirstSteps your family will have a dedicated board- certified (BCBA) Program Director with the graduate degree, clinical experience, and developmental expertise to design and guide your child’s treatment from start to finish. Your Program Director will oversee the work of your child’s entire treatment team, ensuring that every minute with FirstSteps benefits your child and your family.
In addition to your Program Director, your treatment team will include our wonderful board- certified Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who we call Instructors. Without exception, all FirstSteps Instructors have completed over one- hundred hours of in-person training and assessment in both the science and practice of ABA and have been critically evaluated prior to being assigned to your family.
While prior ABA experience is valued, our training department is excellent and incredibly thorough, and we prioritize new hire skills based on what we know kids need.
Our Instructors are kind, smart, patient, smiling, fun, AND have a history of dedicating their time to helping others.
With your treatment team by your side, you will find FirstSteps to be a place where you may ask anything, share your biggest fears and your greatest hopes, and where you will be heard and encouraged to take an active role in your child’s treatment.
take your first step – enroll today!
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