What the SPOE Does for Families

Once a referral for your child has been made, an Intake Coordinator will contact you within two business days.  Your Intake Coordinator will provide you with information you will need to decide if you want to pursue First Steps services for your child, including what you are entitled to by state and federal law.  Your Intake Coordinator will also, upon consent, refer your child to an Eligibility Determination (ED) Team.  If your child is determined eligible and in need of services, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed allowing services to begin.  Federal law requires the entire process, from referral to initial IFSP, be completed within 45 calendar days.

Once your initial IFSP is developed, you will be provided with an ongoing Service Coordinator.  Your ongoing Service Coordinator will work with you and the providers who serve your child to ensure your family’s needs are being met.  Your Service Coordinator will be able to help you access available First Steps services, and may also provide resource and referral information to help you access services outside of First Steps.  Your Service Coordinator will assist with annual eligibility determination, and will help your family transition when your child ages out of First Steps or is no longer in need of First Steps services.

First Steps recognizes that families are the primary teachers of and advocates for their children.  It is very important to us that you understand your rights and procedural safeguards so you can make informed decisions for your child and family. Your Intake and Service Coordinator will provide you with written and verbal explanations of your rights and procedural safeguards whenever you are making decisions about services, or anytime upon your request.  

Click on the links below to make a referral or find more information for families.

Referral Form                        Central Indiana First Steps for Families