First Steps is a statewide early intervention system which provides services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3 and their families. First Steps is Kentucky's response to the federal Infant-Toddler Program (ITP) established by Public Law 99-457 Part C. First Steps offers comprehensive services through coordination with a variety of community agencies and service disciplines. First Steps is administered by the Department for Public Health in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Why Provide Services?
Typically, children who participate in early intervention experience significant improvement in development and learning. Children with developmental delays or conditions likely to cause delays benefit greatly from First Step services during critical developmental years.
Services and support also benefit families by reducing stress.
Early intervention services can decrease the need for costly special education programs later in life by remediating problems early in the child's development.
Who Does First Steps Serve?
First Steps serves children from birth to age 3 and their families. Child eligibility for the program is determined two ways:
- By developmental delay - A child may be eligible for services if an evaluation shows that a child is not developing typically in at least of five skill areas: cognition, communication, physical, social and emotional or self-help.
- Automatic entry - A child may be eligible if he or she receives a diagnosis of physical or mental condition with high probability of resulting developmental delay, such as Down Syndrome.
How are First Steps services provided?
First Steps is available in all Kentucky counties. Services may be provided in the home, at child development or other designated centers or in a clinical setting, depending on the needs of the child and family and the availability of services in a given area.
Anyone can refer a child for First Steps services by calling 800-442-0087.
Referrals are directed to teams at the district Point of Entry offices that hlep children and families access needed services. Services are available to any child and family who meet developmental eligibility criteria, regardless of income. A family's participation in First Steps services is always optional.
February 2008
Sensory Strategies to Improve Children's Learning and Behavior
March 12, 2008 - Louisville KY
Family Share Billing
Please note the Family Share Billing Component of First Steps is experiencing technical difficulties. The December and January bills have not yet been printed, or mailed. Families will receive bills back-to-back. If you have questions, please contact Jeannie Bourg at 502-564-3756, extension 3763.
Web site Note: The Web site is currently under construction as we make modifications eliminate duplication of information and make the site more user friendly. During this time, if you have difficulty finding information, please call (502) 564-3756.
January 2008
The DRAFT Evaluation, Assessment, IFSP and Developmental Status Scale policies, as well as a new required form are posted for review and public comment. Access policy documents by clicking on the links below. The policies will be posted and comments will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2008. Written comments can be provided by clicking here.
You may also send written comments to:
First Steps
Department for Public Health
275 East Main Street, HS2W-C
Frankfort, Ky. 40621-0001
E-mail comments will not be accepted.
Section III - Evaluation Eligibility, Jan. 2008
Section IV - Assessment, Jan. 2008
Section VI - IFSP, Jan. 2008
Proposed Addendum to First Steps Policy - DSS, Jan. 2008
Form 22, Jan. 2008
2007
Q and A for PLE Meeting
Policy Addendum regarding Assessment
The policy addenda included here became effective Aug. 1. The first addendum eliminates the DOCS from current procedure. The second addendum specifies which criterion-referenced assessment instruments must be used by primary-level evaluators when conducting five-area assessments of children with established risk conditions and includes related policy modifications. These addenda also include Resource–15 (RES-15), which went into effective Sept. 1, and contains the list of Cabinet-approved assessment instruments referenced in the second policy addendum. These addenda contain the final policy language.
These policy addenda were posted for public notice July 12. Written comments were received by e-mail. No formal written comments were received. Comments regarding elimination of the DOCS were positive. Inquiries, rather than comments, were submitted regarding the specified criterion-referenced instruments to use when conducting five-area assessments. Additional information about specific instruments and training and clarification regarding implementation dates also were requested .
Questions regarding these policy changes should be directed to regional program consultants.
7-31-2007 Memorandum
8-1-2007 - Addendum to First Steps Policy - Screening
8-1-2007 Addendum to First Steps Policy - Assessment
RES - 15
Part C Coordinator's Letter 7-20-2007
Proposed First Steps Policy Addenda
On Friday, Sept. 7, the four proposed policy addenda, tentatively scheduled to become effective Oct. 1, were withdrawn for review and revision. When revised, proposed policies will be posted again for public notice and comment. Resource 15 (RES-15), which is posted here, remains open for comment through Sept. 30 and is scheduled to become effective Oct. 1.
RES-15 10.1
May 2007
First Steps is experiencing severe provider shortages in many areas of the state. Please contact the local Technical Assistance Program Consultant for the district in which you are willing to serve or contact Rebecca Hahn at Central Office (502) 564-3756, ext. 3800.
Important Letter to Providers
NPI Numbers Required for All Providers
Questions and Answers regarding Data Collection per letter from Dr. Shepherd above
Question of the Month - Each month the Department for Public Health will post a Question of the Month for our valued providers. By answering monthly questions providers provide useful feedback to the First Steps program and staff. Read and answer the Question of the Month
Family Share Chart for 2007
Interagency Coordinating Council March 2007 Meeting Minutes
Star Conference Registration Form
various dates/locations
Infant Toddler Institute Announcement
Aug. 22 - 24 in Lexington
Commission for Children With Special Health Care Needs Conference
Sept. 13 - 14 in Louisville
