Step by Step Early Intervention Society is a Calgary-based charitable organization providing high-quality, early childhood education, therapeutic services, and family support for young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Their mission is to help each child reach their full potential while offering families a safe, empowering space as they navigate the challenges of early intervention.
We spoke with Lori Niosi, Executive Director of Step by Step, to learn more about the organization’s journey, its impact over the past decade, and how the community can help support its vital work.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Step by Step Early Intervention Society is a charitable organization providing exceptional early childhood education, therapeutic, and family supports for developmentally delayed and disabled children and their families. For 10 years now, our play-based, therapeutic programs have been providing toddlers and preschool age children a supportive environment to learn vital communication, social, physical, and daily living skills they need at home, in the community, and in preparation for elementary school. We’re passionate about helping every child reach their full potential and providing families a safe place to land when embarking on an unexpected journey.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The first five years of life are a critical period of childhood development, making timely, accessible, early intervention services an urgent need for young children facing developmental delays. Step by Step provides children and families a supportive, safe environment as they navigate complex needs. Offering therapeutic supports for the child while also prioritizing family wellness through support groups and parenting courses ensures both children and their caregivers receive the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.
When did you start/join it?
I became involved with Step by Step when it was founded in 2015. At the time, my daughter’s physiotherapist, who is also Step by Step’s founder, invited me to sit on the board of directors. I was later asked to serve as the certified teacher as we launched the Early Childhood Services (ECS) program utilizing Program Unit Funding (PUF) from Alberta Education, which requires a teacher to oversee operations. When our founder retired in 2020, I was honoured to step into the executive director role.
What made you want to get involved?
When my daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months old, I experienced the uncertainty and overwhelm that many parents feel. Experiencing the emotional and logistical challenges firsthand opened my eyes to the gaps in early intervention and the importance of having a strong support system. This sparked a passion to be involved and to support families during those pivotal early years so others would feel less alone and more empowered as they navigate their own journeys.
What was the situation like when you started?
Ten years ago, there were fewer specialized ECS providers and a significant gap in services for children with developmental delays under the age of three. Though research points to intervention being most effective before age three, toddlers had limited access to timely, consistent, high-quality therapeutic programming. Step by Step was founded with the long-term goal of addressing this gap.
How has it changed since?
Over the years, demand for specialized programs has significantly increased. Families are moving from out of province to access Alberta’s preschool funding for children with special needs, PUF. Additionally, families from rural areas are relocating to access programs in Calgary. As a result, there is a growing need for program spaces. Our First Steps program now supports children before PUF becomes available, engaging toddlers as young as 19 months with play-based therapeutic intervention in key areas to support communication delays, motor disabilities, socialization and other needs of children attending.
What more needs to be done?
Expanding capacity and continuing to subsidize program fees in First Steps will help us reach more children needing essential early intervention. Equally important is continuing to support family wellness by equipping parents with the tools and resources they need to navigate this unexpected, yet beautiful journey.
How can our readers help?
- Give generously: Donations allow First Steps to be offered at a subsidized rate, keeping the program accessible to more children and families.
- Volunteer: Learn from and work alongside our professional team to support children in our classroom setting.
Do you have any events coming up?
We’re a Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink charity partner, which means donations made through our portal until August 31, 2025, will be matched up to 50% and support our programs for children with disabilities. Registration for 2025/2026 is ongoing. Reach out through our website if you’re looking for a space for your child.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Cerebral Palsy Kids and Families provides wonderful, practical supports to families raising children with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor disabilities.
