The Kentucky Early Intervention System providers use a coaching approach to help families and other caregivers support the child’s learning and development. Research shows early intervention is more effective when the focus is on the adults in the child’s life – the parent, guardian or other caregivers. This works because children learn best from meaningful activities that happen in their usual daily routines with familiar people.
The early intervention visit is an opportunity for the parent, guardian or caregiver and the provider to work as a team on activities that are important during the family's daily routines. When families learn to help their child, learning can happen all day, every day, not just when the provider is with the family and child.
How are early intervention services provided?
The Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS) contracts with providers in a variety of disciplines so early intervention services are available to children who need them. Early intervention specialties include:
- Developmental intervention
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Audiology
- Education for the visually impaired
- Education for the hearing Impaired
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Social work
In addition, all children and families who participate in early intervention services receive service coordination, evaluation and assessment.
How to become an early intervention provider in Kentucky
KEIS providers are independent contractors with the Commonwealth. Providers enroll with KEIS as a single, independent provider or as part of an established provider agency that subcontracts or employees individual providers.
If you are interested in becoming a KEIS provider or have questions regarding the enrollment process, please email KEISProviderEnrollment@ky.gov.
Top Reasons to become an Early Interventionist in Kentucky
Provider Payment Information
Early intervention services rely on a variety of funding sources for support. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that KEIS federal funds be the payer of last resort meaning that funds may only be used for early intervention services for eligible children's needs after all other fund sources, resources and supports have been exhausted.
The Kentucky Early Intervention System uses a variety of public and private resources to support early intervention services. All resources for payment are explored before the use of early intervention funds and include:
- Family Share fees
- Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- State funds
- Federal funds
The Department for Public Health is committed to processing payments as quickly as possible and is obligated to provide payment within 30 days of receipt of an accurate, properly submitted bill.
TOTS Insurance Billing System (TIBS)
TIBS is an automated billing service through the TOTS system. TIBS uses provider service log and accounts payable information to bill electronically.
Providers must complete an enrollment form to use TIBS. Please email DPHKEISBilling@ky.gov to request the form.
Once the enrollment form is recieved at the KEIS State Office, providers are enrolled in a TIBS training module that will give you additional tips on billing and claims submission. After training, providers must submit their certificate of completion by emailing DPHKEISBilling@ky.gov.
Provider 1099 IRS tax form information
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service requires Tax Form 1099 to bemailed by Jan. 30 each year. If you have not received your 1099 tax form or have questions about your form, please contact the Office of the State Controller at (502) 564-7227.
For more information on provider payment or billing, please send an email to DPHKEISBilling@ky.gov.
Provider Resources and Toolkits
Coaching in Early Intervention Resources
Coaching in Early Intervention Infographics