Navigating your development concerns can be challenging.
Whether you are just noticing developmental concerns or have partnered with First Steps to support your child for a while, First Steps wants to walk alongside your family to support you. Follow the path on the right, beginning with “Referral to First Steps” and click on each of the ‘steps’ to learn more about what to expect.
For more information about early intervention services, how to make a referral, parent rights and more, visit the First Steps website.
The First Steps Journey
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Anybody can refer a child to First Steps. To refer your child to First Steps, contact a system point of entry office directly.
Your child can also be referred to First Steps by a pediatrician, childcare provider or social service agency.
01.
Referral to First Steps
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A service coordinator will schedule a free assessment and evaluation with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to identify developmental delays and determine program eligibility.
If your child is eligible for ongoing services, there may be a fee depending on your family’s income and insurance. Your service coordinator will work with you on cost.
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intake
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A service coordinator will work with you throughout your family’s time in First Steps.
Service coordinators communicate with all the agencies that provide services for your family and child.
For any questions, your best point of contact is your service coordinator. They will help you navigate action steps, paperwork and resources every step of the way.
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connecting with the team
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You will meet with the service coordinator and those you would like to include. You are encouraged to invite those that know your child best such as family members, childcare providers, early intervention providers, etc.
In this meeting, as a team, you will:
review the results of the assessment,
discuss concerns and priorities and
determine:
goals for your child,
what services will be provided and
where and how progress will be measured.
This information is compiled and written into the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
What is an IFSP?
IFSP Annotated
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developing a plan
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Timeline from referral to IFSP: 45 days. This includes the intake meeting, evaluation and initial IFSP meeting.
Timeline from initial IFSP to start of services: 30 days.
Based on information gathered from your IFSP, First Steps will connect you and your child to the right services in your area to begin early intervention.
Services will take place in the child’s natural environment, which is any place your child usually learns, plays and spends time with other children. This could be at home, childcare, a community park or another typical early childhood setting.
Services will begin soon after your IFSP is developed.
First Steps values family-centered, routines-based early intervention services. Your early intervention providers and service coordinator will focus on your child within the context of your family. Because of this, early intervention providers use caregiver coaching strategies during sessions. Families and caregivers learn alongside their child and develop strategies to participate and learn in everyday routines.
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START OF SERVICES
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An IFSP review is conducted every six months.
Program eligibility is determined annually.
As your child and family’s needs develop and change, so do First Steps services.
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REVIEWING THE PLAN
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As your child meets their developmental milestones or begins nearing their third birthday, First Steps will work with you to find the right services as your family transitions from the program.
Your First Steps team can assist with the transition to school and community-based service settings and provide information and other options for future steps.
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FUTURE STEPS
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Know Your Rights & Resources
Throughout the process, your family has rights. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), you have the right to:
Consent: Families can choose to give or withhold permission to participate in services.
Prior notice: Families will be told ahead of time, in writing, before key activities or changes in services take place.
Privacy: Any information that personally identifies you, your child or your family will not be shared without first receiving your permission, except where allowed by law.
Disagree: Families know their children best.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
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Wondering what happens next?
Click on each step to see what you can expect.
Referral to First Steps
Intake
Connecting with the team
Developing
a plan
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Start of Services
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Reviewing
the plan
Future steps