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Step-by-Step Enrollment Information

ATTENTION:  The new First Steps Module Training portal is now open.  The new portal will require new registration, user name and login.  Click "Provider Module Training" below to register.

Welcome to First Steps!  If you would like to enroll as a First Provider, please complete the following steps.

  1. Determine your provider type. Qualifications for enrollment, training requirements, background check and liability information for each provider type can be found here (pdf).  Ensure you have the correct prerequisites completed.

    State regulations include the following policy to address shortage of personnel:  /divspeced/stateplan/FY2004/PartC_2004version.pdf. 
    The Division will no longer accept requests for exceptions unless a SPOE region can document the unavailability of personnel meeting the educational qualifications and certification/licensure requirements.  Such exception requests should include a resume, transcript, and other applicable information.  Send to Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Judy Goans, First Steps, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480.
     

  2. Complete Module 1:  Orientation if required for your provider type.  If this module is required, you must successfully complete this free on-line training before you can enroll.  For more information on this training, please visit the Module Training page.
     
    • Your enrollment will not be final until you have completed Orientation and passed the assessment online. 
    • Results are forwarded to the CFO on a weekly basis.
       
  3. Determine if liability insurance is required for provider type (see link under #1).  Contact your insurance provider to determine what is needed or, if you work for an agency, determine if you will be covered under your agency’s policy.
     
  4. Print out Provider Forms found here and complete:
    1. CFO Checklist - Use as a guide in collecting information and submitting it for enrollment with the Central Finance Office (CFO).
    2. CFO Provider Information Form - Complete all sections.  "Site address" is the address shown on the service matrix.  "Billing address" is the location where your payments are sent.  If you work for an agency that cuts your check, put agency information in Billing Information section.  If information is the same, can reference other completed sections.
    3. CFO Service Provider and Payee Agreement - Read. Complete name (and d/b/a or agency if appropriate) on the blank line on the first page; complete last page.  If you work for an agency that gets the check from the CFO and then pays you, skip the Payee Information section.
    4. Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension Form - Read and complete workplace address under "Place of performance".  Check the box if you will be serving children in the natural environment; write you name and Missouri First Steps under "Name of Applicant" and "PR/Award Number"; sign and date.
    5. Family Care Safety Registry - Check (√) Recipient of State or Federal Funds, complete sections B and D (C if you work for an agency or are a d/b/a).  Submit per instructions.
    6. Print out Medicaid/Medicare forms.  Complete forms required for your provider type (listed on CFO checklist).  Some forms cannot be made available online, so contact the CFO if your provider type requires these.
    7. Certification Statement for Claims other than paper.  Print two (2) page document, print payee name (ABC organization or Jane Smith), Provider or Agency official name and title; sign/date and provide SSN or Tax ID for agencies. Print name and phone number for who the Central Finance Office (CFO) should contact with claims questions.
    8. E-Signature Agreement.  Complete information.  Original signature required for submission to CFO.
    9. Online Access Enrollment Form.  Complete all sections.  Be sure to keep own record of security word.
    10. FBI Background Check. 
  • All new First Steps providers are to contact Integrated Biometric Technology at (866) 522-7067 or http://www.L1id.com/ to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. DESE will no longer accept fingerprint cards or send fingerprint packets.  

    The fee structure is as follows:

  • Criminal Record Check based on the applicant's name and social security number will cost $9 - an increase from the current five dollar cost.

  • Missouri fingerprint check (pdf) will cost $20.  Combined with the cost of the Missouri fingerprint, the Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint charges and the handling charge from IBT, the total cost will be $52.20. 

    The applicant must provide specific identifying information, including:

  • School County-District Code: This six digit number will ensure that DESE returns the results to First Steps.  If you are a potential applicant for First Steps, please use 999209.

  • School Name: MO First Steps

  • School Address: P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO  65102-0480

  • DESE ORI Number (Originating Agency Identifier):  MO920320Z

  • Employee Status:  Educator, Non-Certificated Employee (Secretary, Janitor, etc.), Substitute Teacher, Bus Driver

    The applicant will choose from available appointment times and locations.

    At the scheduled appointment, identification of the applicant will be verified by using a photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.

    Applicant must be ready to pay the appropriate fee at the time of fingerprinting unless other arrangements have been made by the hiring/licensing agency.

    Applicant will receive a receipt that will include the transaction identification number.  This number can be used to track the transaction through the entire process.

    Average time to complete the fingerprinting process is ten (10) minutes.  Results should be returned in two (2) weeks. 

    A provider should send a copy of the IBT receipt to the Central Finance Office (CFO) with enrollment materials.  This receipt serves as an indication that the fingerprints were submitted and the enrollment process can move forward.
  1. Complete Transportation Provider Checklist and CFO Family Transportation Agreement, if applicable.
  2. Complete the ABA Implementer, W-9 forms, and EFT/Direct Deposit Authorization, if applicable.
  3. Send all forms to the Central Finance Office (CFO) - The FBI background check results will be sent on your behalf directly to the CFO when the investigation is completed.
     

  1. For questions regarding these forms, please contact the Central Finance Office (CFO) at 1-866-711-2573 (ext. 2).  The address to mail these forms to is:

    CFO Provider Enrollment
    C/O Covansys Software Services, Inc
    P.O. Box 29134
    Shawnee Mission, KS  66201-9134
     

    3. Once your enrollment has been processed, the CFO will mail you a letter confirming your enrollment and provide you with instructions on completing the Provider Service Matrix.

    You may begin providing services once all forms are completed and all requests for background checks have been completed.  Your enrollment as a First Steps provider is subject to acceptable results from the background checks.
     

    4. Fill out the Provider Service Matrix.  Newly enrolled providers have 15 days from notification of enrollment to complete their Matrix information.
     

    5. After you are on the Provider Service Matrix, you will be able to accept authorizations and bill for services provided.  For more information on billing, please visit: http://www.eikids.com/mo/matrix/docs/pdfs/MOFSBillingManual.pdf.
     

    6. Complete all other required training modules for your provider type.  Once you are enrolled, you will have six months from your date of enrollment to complete all required training modules.  Please view the First Steps Personnel Standards (pdf) document to determine which, if any, additional trainings are required for your provider type.  These trainings do not have to be completed before you can begin to provide services.  Modules are available for online completion at www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/moduletraining.html.
     

  6. After initial data entry, all providers must login to the Matrix and review/update the information every three (3) months.  The Matrix includes a field for the date of the last update. That field will be monitored at the CFO and failure to update at least every three (3) months will result in the posting of a notice on the individual’s Matrix page to inform viewers that the provider’s availability may no longer be valid. Continued failure to update the Matrix will result in removal from view of the provider’s information and no new authorizations for that provider will be permitted at the CFO. Finally, providers who have not updated the Matrix in a six (6) month period will be removed from the Matrix and enrollment with First Steps terminated.