Central Indiana First Steps

10/13/2026

Congratulations to ProKids board member, Dr. Randy Stoesz, for receiving the DSI Star Award from Down Syndrome Indiana. As a father of a child with Down syndrome and a pediatrician with Carmel Pediatrics (now retired), Dr. Stoesz understands the importance of early intervention services and has been a steadfast proponent for First Steps. We couldn't be happier to see him receive this well-deserved recognition and we are fortunate he is part of the ProKids team! Congratulations Dr. Stoesz!

🌟 Congratulations to Our DSI Star Award Recipient, Dr. Randall (Randy) Stoesz! 🌟

At Down Syndrome Indiana, our DSI Star Awards recognize extraordinary individuals, professionals, and community partners who go above and beyond to support, advocate for, and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

💛 This year, we are proud to recognize Dr. Randy Stoesz of Carmel Pediatrics!

Dr. Stoesz is a now retired board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children with Down syndrome and developmental disabilities has made a lasting impact. Through his strong connections with Indiana's First Steps program, commitment to staying informed on pediatric guidelines and considerations for our community, and compassionate care, he has been an incredible resource for families.

As a father within our Down syndrome community, Dr. Stoesz brings both personal understanding and professional expertise to his work. His dedication has also earned him the LPCC Friends of First Steps Physician Award.

One parent shared:
“He understood our situation at a different level. As a parent and professional, his compassion and care was unlike any other experience.”

💛 Thank you, Dr. Stoesz, for your unwavering commitment to our community! Your compassion, advocacy, and dedication continue to make a meaningful difference for families.

🌟 Please join us in congratulating Dr. Stoesz on this well-deserved recognition!

10/13/2026

Way to go, Cooper!

Congrats to Cooper on his graduation from First Steps ! Cooper has been working hard over the last year and a half on using language and being understood by others. His family did a great job using exciting outdoor activities to build his speech and language skills. Therapy time was spent, searching for crawfish, building mud pies in his fairy garden and taking care of the family’s landscaping! He’s now ready to face any communication challenge!

10/12/2026

Our First Steps to Reading Fun event was so amazing! Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, Easterseals Crossroads and their Guild for providing a beautiful location and books, and to the community organizations providing resources to our families. Characters courtesy of Royal Encounters https://www.cibaby.org/opportunities

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

ProKids has an opening for a Data Entry Specialist. Join a team that has been recognized as an Indy Star Top Workplace for three years in a row! Resumes can be sent to [email protected]

10/05/2026

🧥 Another Great Opportunity for Central Indiana Families!

We believe every child deserves a warm coat this winter, and we’re happy to share another opportunity to help make that happen! ❤️

Hamilton County Kids Coats is happy to share this upcoming coat giveaway with our community!

While we’re busy preparing for our Hamilton County Kids Coats giveaways in each city throughout Hamilton County, we also want to make sure families know about other opportunities to receive a warm coat this winter.

This Coats for Kids giveaway is open to children and families throughout Central Indiana and will provide FREE winter coats, scarves, hats, and gloves.

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Expo Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis

No pre-registration is required for this giveaway. Coats will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

If your family needs a winter coat, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. ❤️

And if you’re planning to participate in one of our Hamilton County Kids Coats giveaways in each Hamilton County city, remember that registration closes on October 8th! Be sure to register before the deadline! kidscoats.org

Please share this post so we can help spread the word and keep ALL of Central Indiana kids warm this winter!

10/05/2026

Happy Work Anniversary to Alicia, Ashley, Abbie, Debbie, Beth, Sonya, Erin, and Kayla! From 1 year to 21 years, we appreciate you and all you do for the families you serve. Congratulations!

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

Join FUSE for our upcoming Virtual Workshop Series! Learn more about government benefits, guardianship, ABLE accounts, and special needs trusts.

October 1, 8 & 15 | 6:30–8 PM via Zoom

RSVP: [email protected]

Get your questions answered and gain valuable information to help plan for the future!

09/30/2026