What is the Kentucky Early Intervention System
Kentucky’s Early Intervention System (formerly First Steps) serves children from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or a particular medical condition that is known to cause a developmental delay. Services are provided statewide and coordinated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Early Intervention means providing appropriate services and support to families to enhance children’s growth and development. We believe families know their child best and are the primary decision makers.
What Services Are Available?
The First Steps program provides a wide variety of services and supports including:
- Service Coordination
- Evaluation
- Assessment
- Developmental Intervention
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Audiology Services
- Vision Services
- Nutrition
- Psychological
- Social Work
Eligibility for services is determined
through a process of child and family
assessment.
Where Are Services Provided?
Early Intervention services are provided in a child’s natural environment
which includes their home, child care, or other community setting.
What is the Cost?
Once determined eligible, families must pay a participation fee. This is called “Family Share” and it is based on the family’s total household income and household size. The fee amounts range from $0 to a maximum of $100 per month.
Who Pays for Services?
We use a variety of funding sources including: Family Share Participation fees, private insurance and Medicaid. However, no family is denied services due to the lack of insurance or the inability to pay Family Share.
Who Can Make a Referral?
Anyone can make a referral.
For questions regarding program services or to make a referral to the program, contact the local Kentucky Early Intervention Services Point of Entry (POE) office (see below).