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First Steps: Service Coordinator
Overview of the First Steps system
The First Steps System is in place in the state of Missouri to maintain and implement a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers and their families. The System works to facilitate the coordination of payment for early intervention services, to provide quality early intervention services and identify, evaluate and meet the needs of historically underrepresented populations in the state of Missouri.
The Lead Agency for the First Steps System is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) through the Special Education sections of Effective Practices, Compliance, Funds Management and Data Coordination.
A State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) is appointed by the Governor to ensure that the membership of the Council reasonably represents the population of the state in terms of is diversity and geography. The SICC advises and assists DESE in the development and implementation of policies that constitute the statewide system of First Steps.
Local Interagency Coordinating Councils (LICC) are not required by federal regulations, however, Missouri has determined that support in the development of local councils will help ensure collaboration and coordination and strengthen the First Steps system statewide. In addition, other Interagency Partners (Department of Mental Health(DMH), Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Social Services (DSS) work together to implement Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The System Point of Entry (SPOE) , through contract with DESE, is the local entity responsible for ensuring that all referrals of Children under the age of three, and their families are assisted in compliance with the law. SPOEs may serve one county, one region, multiple counties or multiple regions. The SPOEs maintain the Early Intervention records and assign an Intake Coordinator for each family.
The Central Finance Office (CFO) is linked with the provider credential system and maintains the Service Matrix of enrolled First Steps Providers. The CFO authorizes services for eligible children and their families based upon eligibility determination activities or the IFSP and then pays providers for these services utilizing a fee for services reimbursement approach.
Now that we have looked at the First Steps Philosophy, and the Overview of First Steps, it is time to focus on What is Service Coordination? Please take a few minutes and Read the Part C Section 303.23 which is located in the Missouri Part C State Plan. The Law lays out exactly what a Service Coordinator’s responsibilities are.
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Questions and privacy statement
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