What Is First Steps?
First Steps is a statewide early intervention system that 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. First Steps offers comprehensive services through a variety of community agencies and service disciplines and 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 providing appropriate services that address 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 one of the following skill areas: communication, cognition, 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.
Where are First Steps services provided?
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.
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How Can I Learn More About First Steps Services? |
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Anyone can refer a child for First Steps services by calling 877-417-8377 or 877-41 STEPS.
First Steps is available in all Kentucky counties. 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 voluntary. Referrals are directed to teams at the district Local Point of Entry offices that help children and families access needed services.
State Lead Agency Toll-Free Telephone
The state lead agency has set up a toll-free telephone number and a dedicated e-mail account to assist points of entry, service coordinators, providers, parents and other stakeholders in accessing state lead agency office staff.
E-mail
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Proposed First Steps Regulations |
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Notice of intent to file changes to First Steps administrative regulations
A public hearing on the proposed changes to the First Steps regulations will be held January 22, 2013 at 9:00 a.m., EST in Conference Suite A of the Department for Public Health building, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort KY. Those wishing to make a public comment must submit the written comment to Jill Brown, Office of Legal Services, 275 East Street, 5W-B, Frankfort KY 40621. The fax number is: 502-564-7573.
Written comments on the proposed regulations can be submitted to Ms. Brown until close of business Thursday, January 31, 2013.
902 KAR 30 001 - Definitions
902 KAR 30 110 - Point of Entry and Service Coordination
902 KAR 30 120 - Evaluation and Eligibility
902 KAR 30 130 - Assessment Service Planning and Assistive Technology
902 KAR 30 150 - Personnel Qualifications
902 KAR 30 160 - Covered Services
902 KAR 30 180 - Procedural Safeguards
902 KAR 30 200 - Coverage and Payment for Services Website announcement:
FFY13 Application
Announcement for FFY13 Part C Grant Application
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services announces that the First Steps annual application for federal funds authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act is available for review and public comment beginning February 5, 2013 and ending April 7, 2013.
The application packet, developed by U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education (OSEP), includes a summary of the certifications, policies, procedures, methods, descriptions, assurances, and IDEA use of funds descriptions that the state will use to implement Part C of IDEA. Upon receipt and approval of this application, Kentucky will receive a federal grant award under IDEA Part C for the period of July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014.
The application is in a format required by OSEP. The costs included in this application only reflect those costs attributable to the federal IDEA Part C funds that are allocated to Kentucky and not the total cost of the First Steps program. The amounts listed in Section III, Description of Use of Part C Funds are based upon the current year (SFY13) allocation since OSEP has yet to give the anticipated award amounts for SFY14. These amounts will be used until the SFY14 award amount is disclosed.
Written comments related to the application will be accepted from March 8, 2013 through close of business April 8, 2013. Written comments may be sent to: Paula Goff, Part C Coordinator, CHFS, DPH, 275 East Main Street, HS2WC, Frankfort, KY 40621 or to email address chfs.firststeps@ky.gov .
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