Module II: Evaluation and Assessment
Unit I Lesson 1: Key Players
Let’s begin reviewing who the key players are in the Evaluation and Assessment process. It is important for all those involved in the First Steps system to understand the evaluation/assessment/eligibility determination process. For the purpose of training, in-take and on-going coordinators will be identified as service coordinators. To learn more about each of the key players, click on the icons below.
Service Coordinator—Coordinate and determine eligibility and ongoing assessment activities for IFSP development, help families select providers, make arrangements with providers to conduct evaluations and assessments, and provide authorizations for assessments and evaluations.
Family/Parents—Provide pertinent information that would help in determining their child’s eligibility; may set up the evaluation and assessment of their child
Providers—Conduct evaluation and assessment when chosen by a family; they need to understand how to address findings in evaluations and assessments and how to avoid jargon when writing evaluations and assessments so the family understands the results
Referral Sources—Need to understand First Steps eligibility criteria and how evaluation and assessment works in the system
Click on the box below to go to the Service Coordination section of the Practice Manual. In the manual read pages 1 through 14. This defines the roles of the Service Coordinator and the Intake Coordinator. (Please remember that material linked to this training will be included on the assessment for this module.)
Each lesson will have Review and Reflection Questions. Please take time to answer the questions. These questions are meant to facilitate your understanding of the material. You will not be submitting your answers to these questions.
Review questions will help you to think in terms of guidelines that are part of the FS program. These items are important and set by state and federal law. Please think of the correct answer and review the answer in the above readings as needed. These are the types of questions that will be on the assessment you will need to pass for completion of this module.
1. What are the five specific duties of the Service Coordinator?
2. What are the two areas that the family will provide information about?
3. What are the duties of the providers?
4. What three things must referral sources understand?
5. What are the responsibilities of the Intake Coordinator at the SPOE?
6. The family's right to what MUST be ensured at all times?
7. The Service Coordinator must manage boundaries with the family. How is this done?
Reflection questions will help you integrate your background into the way the FS program functions. For most providers natural environments and family participation are new. These questions will help you to understand your role in the FS program. Please take the time to read each question and think how the skills and professional aptitude you bring to the program would be best integrated into FS.
1. The Service Coordinator must be available to the family but must maintain a "professional" relationship. If a relationship needs to be reviewed what are some of the ways this can be done?
2. The medical model use patient relationships as a basis for treatment. How is this different than the relationship to the family based relations of FS?
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If you have a question about this module please check the Q & A pages. If you still have a question after reviewing the Q & A pages please send an email to: webreplyspefs@dese.mo.gov or call 573.751.0187