With seed funding from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey and additional support from the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest, JFS has launched First Steps. This new package of services, tailored to meet the needs of children ages zero to 5, their parents and families, teachers and communities includes:
Classroom-based observations
Workshops & groups for parents
One-on-one parent consultations
Teacher trainings
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
And much more! 

The mental health of young children plays a crucial role in their future social and emotional development, and without intervention, behaviors such as anxiety, impulsiveness and defiance may have a negative impact on their lives.  First STEPS addresses specific mental health issues as well as the stigma often surrounding special needs and the costs associated with parenting such children. 

To learn more about First STEPS or to schedule a consultation, contact JFS Children and Adolescent Services at 973-765-9050 or info@jfsmetrowest.org. 

Click here for a flyer to share with your nursery school, neighbors and friends. 

Parents' Corner with the JFS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Staff
Check out our new blog featuring expert parenting advice from JFS clinical professionals.

First Steps Group for New Moms and Babies (Birth to 6 months)
New mothers with babies birth to six months will have a chance to connect with peers, to share their experiences and questions, to learn from early childhood research and each other, and to explore their Jewish heritage at the First Steps Group for New Moms and Babies.  Sponsored by Jewish Family Service of MetroWest and the JCC MetroWest Parent Place, the First Steps Group begins on Wednesday, January 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the JCC, located at 760 Northfield Avenue in West Orange.  The small, weekly group continues through May 2. 

Click here for a detailed description of the Group for New Moms and Babies including dates and topics.
To register, contact Tricia Stern at JFS: 973-637-1773 or by email.

The New Jersey Jewish News featured an article about the First Steps Group. Click here to read more.
First Steps Group for New Moms & Babies is funded in part by a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ with additional support from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey.

First Steps Preschool Parenting Series
JFS now offers monthly workshops for parents and children age 2 to 5 focused on common issues such as typical development, behavior and discipline, easing children's anxieties and temperment. Tricia Stern, LCSW, MPH, the JFS Coordinator of Child and Adolescent Services, will facilitate the sessions that meet one Friday each month, continuing January 20 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the JFS office in Livingston.

Click here for a complete listing of Preschool Parenting Series workshop dates and topics.  To register, contact Tricia Stern at JFS: 973-637-1773 or by email.
First Steps Preschool Parenting Series is supported by a generous grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey. The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life and JCC MetroWest are First Steps collaborating organizations.

Articles and Links
Zero to Three: The National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families
Building Blocks for a Healthy Future
7 Myths About Child Mental Health from the Child Mind Institute
"Can Preschoolers Be Depressed?" from the New York Times
NYU Child Study Center
Caring for Every Child's Mental Health
The PJ Library
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Stop Bullying Now

Please check this site regularly for information about upcoming
events, parenting advice from licensed clinical social workers, links to
articles about mental health issues for young children and connections
to programs throughout the MetroWest community.

Visit our partners: JCC MetroWest and the Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life.

First STEPS received seed funding from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, with additional funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ, and has been developed in collaboration with JCC MetroWest and The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life.  JFS First STEPS social work staff members are participating providers of the early childhood consortium sponsored by The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life.