Early Steps
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EarlySteps
EarlySteps is Louisiana's Early Intervention System under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers from birth to three years (36 months) who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay.
Physicians and other healthcare professionals are mandated by the Federal Part C law to refer to EarlySteps children between the ages of birth to three with a suspected developmental delay, and anyone may make a referral to EarlySteps.
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What Services Are Provided for EarlySteps?
EarlySteps services are designed to improve the family's capacity to enhance their child's development. These services are provided in the child's natural environment, such as the child's home, place of daycare, or any other community setting typical for children aged birth to 3 years (36 months). Services include
Assistive technology Audiology Health Services (family education, assistance with other EarlySteps services only) Medical Services (for evaluation only) Nutrition Services Occupational Therapy Services Physical Therapy Services Psychological Services Service Coordination Social Work Services Special Instruction Speech Language Pathology Transportation (to and from an EarlySteps service only) Translation Interpreter Services (foreign language and sign language) Vision Services EarlySteps does not provide for services that are
Surgical in nature such as cleft palate surgery, surgery for club feet, or the shunting of hydrocephalus.
Who Should be Referred to EarlySteps?
Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, Section 303.16, the federal law upon which EarlySteps is based, states that infants and toddlers who have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay are eligible for services. Children with delays in cognitive, motor, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional or adaptive development may also be eligible for services. Once the SPOEreceives the completed referral form, the family will be contacted within four days to begin the eligibility determination process. The child will first be screened for any possible developmental delays.
If areas of concern appear, then the child with parental consent will have a more comprehensive developmental assessment. If the child meets EarlySteps eligibility criteria, then the family will select a Family Service Coordinator and a meeting will be held to develop the child’s IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). The IFSP identifies the outcomes, strategies and activities that comprise the early intervention plan for the child. Services listed on the IFSP are authorized for payment through the Central Finance Office (CFO), and any changes to the IFSP require a meeting of the whole IFSP team.
All service providers chosen to carry out the activities of the IFSP must meet EarlySteps' certification requirements and must be listed on the Service matrix.
Who pays for EarlySteps services?
EarlySteps services are provided through the support of several funds: Federal Part C funds Federal Medicaid funds State Part C funds State Medicaid Matching funds MFP Funds More information go to:
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