STEPS—formerly known as Toddler Learning Center—, a nonprofit serving Whidbey Island since 1985, is expanding its early support services to include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. The organization, known for its in-home developmental support for infants and toddlers birth to age three, has launched the new program to address a significant local gap in services — especially for Medicaid-enrolled families.
There are an estimated 200 children under age 9 with autism on Whidbey Island, but just two ABA providers serve the region, both in Oak Harbor, and neither accepts Medicaid. That leaves families with limited options, long waitlists, and in many cases, short-term center-based programs that aren’t suited for very young children.
STEPS is building a home-based ABA program focused on children birth through age five. Led by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, who brings over 20 years of experience, the program is designed to be developmentally appropriate, relationship-based, and accessible to families across the island. The organization has already completed the infrastructure needed to bill Medicaid, Tricare, and private insurers and has systems in place for data collection, accounting, and operations.
Currently, the program is serving eight children — a full caseload. STEPS is in the process of hiring and training three more ABA providers. The organization’s one-year objective is to have enough fully trained staff to cover Whidbey Island and reduce the current waitlist. A Community Health Grant from Whidbey Community Foundation supports provider training, travel time for in-home sessions, and operational costs not covered by insurance reimbursement.
This expansion builds on STEPS’ long-standing expertise in early childhood and its holistic model, which also includes services like feeding therapy, infant mental health support, and family resource coordination. ABA is not funded through any of STEPS’ existing government sources, making philanthropic support essential to getting the program off the ground.
For more information, visit www.takingstepstogether.org.
Support Community Health Grants
WCF’s Community Health Grant Program is dedicated to improving the well-being of Whidbey Island residents by addressing key factors that shape a thriving, healthy community. These grants support projects and organizations that enhance access to healthcare, promote healthy behaviors, strengthen social and economic stability, and improve environmental conditions that impact health. By funding initiatives that eliminate barriers to health and opportunity, WCF strives to create a more equitable and resilient community—one where every individual has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting the Community Health Grant Program, we ask that you make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. WCF’s Board of Directors allocates funding each year toward our grant programs. WCF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.