2025 Marks 40 Years of Supporting Children and Families on Whidbey Island

For four decades, we’ve been honored to walk alongside families as they overcome challenges and nurture the growth of their children. Since our humble beginnings in the basement of the Nazarene Church we are incredibly proud of how far we have come and look forward to celebrating all year long.

We couldn’t have made it this far without the incredible families, dedicated staff, and generous community that has stood by us. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 40 years of taking Steps together!

Stay up to date with our 40th Anniversary news and events in 2025, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.

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2025 Marks 40 Years of Supporting Children and Families on Whidbey Island

For four decades, we’ve been honored to walk alongside families as they overcome challenges and nurture the growth of their children. Since our humble beginnings in the basement of the Nazarene Church we are incredibly proud of how far we have come and look forward to celebrating all year long.

We couldn’t have made it this far without the incredible families, dedicated staff, and generous community that has stood by us. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 40 years of taking Steps together!

Stay up to date with our 40th Anniversary news and events in 2025, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.

Stay Connected with Us

We are pleased to introduce our new Steps Newsletter, created to keep you informed about upcoming events, valuable resources, and the latest news from Steps. You can expect to receive one email per month, with occasional updates based on content availability.

Don’t miss out—Subscribe today to receive our latest updates directly in your inbox!

Your privacy is important to us, and we ensure that our communications are mindful and non-intrusive.

SUBSCRIBE

Throughout its History, Steps has Remained Committed to Providing High-Quality Services for Children With Developmental Delays and Their Families


Founded in 1985, the Toddler Learning Center (TLC) began as a grassroots initiative, driven by the generosity of individuals and community organizations who believed in the importance of early support services. Island County Department of Developmental Disabilities, United Way of Island County, Skagit Valley College, NAS Whidbey, Boeing Good Neighbors, Island Thrift, Lions Clubs, Soroptimists, Kiwanis, Eagles, local church groups and many others contributed direct funds, assisted with building and renovating our space, volunteered their time, and organized fundraisers on our behalf. Early staff members were also major contributors as all of them had professional degrees and experience yet chose to work for a small nonprofit despite lower wages and lack of benefits. Their dedication and belief in the value of early services and family support were essential in launching this program of excellence in our community.

This remarkable support made it possible to meet the needs of families and continues to ensure that vital services remain available. TLC’s growth and impact would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our community.

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We believe

We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to grow, reach their potential and thrive.

 

We believe families deserve the support and resources to meet their children’s needs as they continue to develop.
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40+
Years serving Whidbey Island, 5+ years serving San Juan County, and 1.5 years serving Anacortes
500+
Children and their families supported annually
28+
Professionals sharing expertise and compassion
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Meeting each child’s unique needs

Our team uses multiple evaluation tools to identify each childs needs. Our comprehensive services are customized for each child.

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Personalized goals for each family

Compassionate professionals work with families to define tailored goals, integrating services and resources to help each child reach their full potential.

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Support and empower families

Family-centered education builds caregivers’ skills and confidence. Home-based services provide comfort for children and their whole families.

LEARN MORE
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Our Child-Focused,
Family-Centered Approach

is fueled by our deep experience, professional expertise, best practices, unwavering support, and continual advocacy.

He asks us to play

He uses his words and eye contact!

She jumps

She’s stronger every day!

She recognizes me

She directs her vision and smiles when she sees me.

He can taste it!

He’s eating solid foods and loves them!

READ MORE FAMILY STORIES

Experience & Expertise

Our highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of early learning, neurodevelopment and pediatric care professionals are continuously evolving their skills and expertise to meet the unique needs of each child.

Customized Programs

Starting where you are, we work together to define a comprehensive, child-focused plan, incorporating best practices in special education, specialized therapies, nursing, and social work.

Family-Centered Approach

We believe parents are their child’s first and most important teacher. As members of the early support team, families are the major decision makers regarding their child’s services

“Steps has helped me and my son in so many ways. They provide therapy, resources and even help me when I am feeling down about all the added challenges my son faces.”

– Parent

Children and Family Services

Birth to 3 Years Old

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Neurodevelopmental Center of Excellence

Therapy and services for neuromuscular and developmental disorders.

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Early Support for Infants
& Toddlers (ESIT)

Comprehensive services enhance learning for those with delays or disabilities.

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Certified CHERISH™ Team

Social-emotional support helps nurture family bonds in the child welfare system.

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Consulting & Coaching

We help parents and caregivers develop skills and confidence.

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Support & Advocacy

We understand that each family’s needs are unique and ensure they know their rights.

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Resource Coordination

We work with partner agencies to connect families with additional resources.

Helping children and their families take steps toward healthy, happy futures.
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Changing Lives

Each child, family and the path they are on is unique. Every step and milestone along the way is celebrated, and caregivers gain confidence to lead the way.

Our feeding team’s comprehensive skills and customized services help each child grow and thrive.

She’s eating
SOLID FOODS!!

Speech therapy addresses
a wide variety of interaction and
communication skills.

Our first
JOYFUL INTERACTION

Physical therapy includes
range of motion,
strengthening and movement.

On the move –
CROSSING THE FLOOR
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Looking Ahead

 

We’re TAKING STEPS to add new services, more providers and expanded resources to meet the needs of children with developmental delays and their families on Whidbey Island, Anacortes and the San Juan Islands.

Our highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of trained early learning and pediatric care professionals are continuously evolving to meet the unique needs of each child and their families.

Check back often to hear about the exciting changes as we STEP into the future.

Reach Out to Take Your First Step.

Whether you want to request an assessment for services or contribute to our mission, your first step is submitting the form or calling us at:

360-679-1039

PO Box 633
950 SE Regatta Drive #101
Oak Harbor, WA 98277


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