Knowing your child needs help can be an overwhelming and scary feeling for parents. Early Steps provides individual support throughout the enrollment process to help you stay informed. Here is what you can expect.
1
Your child is referred to Early Steps.
2
Your local Early Steps office responds and performs an initial intake within 5 days of receiving the referral.
3
A service coordinator is assigned and will contact the family at least one day prior to the evaluation and/or assessment.
4
An evaluation and/or assessment will be completed and the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be created within 45 days of the referral.
5
Once the IFSP is completed, your team will meet and conduct the entry Child Outcome Summary (COS) process. This is designed to measure your child’s skills in three areas:
Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships);
Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language, communication and literacy); and
Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs (including taking care of basic needs and integrating motor skills to complete tasks such as dressing and feeding).
6
Early intervention services are provided in the home and community where your child lives, learns and plays. Services begin within 30 days of completing the IFSP.
7
The IFSP is reviewed at least every 6 months to ensure progress is being made.
8
When the time is right, your child will transition out of the Program with tools and activities for continued developmental success. An exit COS will be completed as part of this process.
