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Subject: Changes in the System
Point of Entry (SPOE) for First Steps
Source: Debby Parsons, Coordinator, Special Education Services
Intended Audience: Superintendents, Directors of Special Education, Early
Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Personnel, Parents as
Teachers Personnel
Date: January 27, 2006
This communication contains information regarding some changes in the
Missouri First Steps Program.
First Steps is Missouri's Early Intervention system for Part C of IDEA.
First Steps serves approximately 3,500 infants and toddlers (birth to 3)
statewide. The current System Point of Entry (SPOE) system was established
in 2002 through a state-wide bid process that must be rebid every three
years. During the past three years, the Division heard many concerns from
stakeholders regarding the efficiency, effectiveness, and operations of
existing SPOEs. Consistent with Office of Administration requirements, over
the past several months the original 26 SPOEs have been rebid resulting in
the consolidation of SPOES. Three SPOEs (St. Louis County, Greater St.
Louis, and Northwest) began operations in 2004. The seven remaining SPOE
regions will begin operations on February 1, 2006, under this "new bid
structure". A map of the ten SPOE regions can be found at
http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/pdfs/SPOE_Bid_Revised.pdf.
Changes to the First Steps system:
1. Each SPOE will have a full-time SPOE Director to oversee operations and
answer questions.
2. Service Coordinators will be employees of the SPOE or Department of
Mental Health (DMH). This will improve coordination of services and access
to service coordinators.
3. A Regional Interagency Coordinating Council (RICC) will be established to
assist the SPOE with ensuring:
* Quality early intervention services to support families
* Efficient operations
* Credentialed providers
* Information and services to eligible children
* Effective Child Find activities
4. Evaluators will be identified by the SPOE to conduct evaluations and
review services.
5. Consistent with the passage of SB500, SPOEs will be implementing Family
Cost participation fees. Use of private insurance will also be a part of the
system. Detailed information can be found at
http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/ParentInfo.html. This
legislation allows First Steps to charge families a monthly fee of between
$5 and $100. This fee is for participation in the program and is allowable
under Part C of IDEA.
We encourage local district ECSE personnel and SPOE personnel in each region
to establish collaborative working relationships to facilitate a smooth and
effective transition of children and families from the First Steps program
to local district preschool programs.
For more information on the Missouri First Steps Program or to locate
information about the SPOE that serves your region, visit our website at
http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/index.html.
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