Programs offered by Down Sndrome Conenctions of the Bay Area

STEP CLASSES

The STEP program is an educational and developmental therapeutic program geared specifically to the needs of a children born with Down syndrome. The STEP Program embodies a unique combination of cognitive skills and social/behavioral interaction.

Programs offered by Down Sndrome Conenctions of the Bay Area

Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area - 2008 Class Schedule Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area - 2008 Class Schedule

BABY STEPS (pre-natal, birth to 3ish) This group meets twice a month and is helpful in understanding and supporting your baby’s development and provides the opportunity to share friendship, information, and the celebration of our delightful kids together! Music therapy is offered the second group of each month.

SMALL STEPS (Danville ages 3 to 6) Activities focused on improving motor skills through challenging obstacle courses, cognitive tasks as we learn to follow, interpret and comprehend a story, social interaction as we learn to wait our turn encourage others and adapt to an environment of cooperation, interaction and socialization.

FIRST STEPS (Danville ages 5-9) The goal of this class is to provide an environment of cooperation, interaction and socialization that allows children with Down syndrome:

EXPRESS YOURSELF (ages 9-14) Goal is to improve each student’s language development (both expressive and receptive), self expression through art and movement, social communication and interaction, and friendship. Self care and personal hygiene are also addressed. This exciting active class also improves cognitive and academic skills as well as fine motor skills.

STEP IN (Danville), STEP Out (Oakland), STEP Together (Albany) and SF STEP (San Francisco) are teen and young adult groups which support key skills for this ‘transition’ aged population. We focus on skill building in three main areas: Social/Friendship, Leisure/Recreation and Inter/Independent Living. These very active and fun groups emphasize positive communication and social values, personal awareness and empowerment through vital peer and group relationships, fitness and recreation and creative movement and the expressive arts. Emphasis is on "Ability" and personal responsibility in a safe and exciting group. We utilize peer volunteers called PALS-Peer Assistance Leadership and Support.

ADVOCACY (Danville), we provide a variety of advocacy services, including professional consultation, developmental evaluations and attendance with parents at IEP's (Individual Educational Plan). We partner with other organizations and professionals in order to offer a well-rounded support system to the child and their families.

Schedule

MONDAYS
Small Steps - 3:30pm - 4:45pm Danville (no class 4/14)
Castro Valley Step - 4:30pm - 6:00pm Castro Valley
Step Together - 3:30pm - 5:00pm Albany

TUESDAYS
Express Yourself - 4:00pm - 5:30pm Danville
SF Step - 4:00pm - 5:30pm San Francisco
Parent Support Group - (4th Tues) 7:00pm - 9:00pm Danville

WEDNESDAYS
Baby Steps - (1st and 3rd Wed) 10:00am - 11:30am Danville
First Steps - 3:00pm - 4:30pm Danville
Step Out - 4:00pm - 5:30pm Oakland

THURSDAYS
Step In - 4:00pm - 5:30pm Danville

Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area - 2008 Class Schedule Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area - 2008 Class Schedule