Getting started with First Steps is an easy process that begins with a phone call to our Systems Point of Entry (SPOE) office or by filling out the referral form and emailing or faxing it to our office.  When you call, a member of our staff will take your initial information over the phone and arrange for an Intake Coordinator to call you back within two business days.  At that time, she will talk to you about the First Steps program, your rights and the developmental concerns you have for your child.   She will schedule the Eligibility Determination (ED) Team to do a free evaluation on your child in your home at a time convenient for you and your family.   The ED Team, which consists of trained early intervention therapists, will evaluate your child in all developmental areas.  

 If your child has a 25% delay in one area or a 20% delay in two areas and they are under 36 months of age, they will be eligible for the First Steps program.  Once they qualify, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed with input from you and those who have evaluated your child.  This IFSP, which must be completed within 45 days of your child’s referral to First Steps, serves as a sort of roadmap for the team to increase your child’s developmental skills and monitor progress.  With the help of your Service Coordinator, you will choose the therapists who will help your child reach the goals as outlined in the IFSP and services will begin.  Your intake coordinator will discuss your cost share with you for ongoing services, however, for most families there is no cost for therapies.  Along the way, there are procedural safeguards in place to protect your family’s rights.

Sometimes it takes just a little intervention for a child to be on track developmentally.  There is no reason to wait and wonder about your child’s development.  First Steps can help you get the answers to your questions.  Remember, the earlier parents recognize that their child may have a special need and seek professional advice, the greater the chance that the child can be helped to overcome the problem.  If you suspect that your child may have a problem, talk with your pediatrician and contact your local First Steps System Point of Entry (SPOE).  The referral and evaluation are free!  All information is kept confidential.