First Steps
First Steps is Missouri’s Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers, birth to age 3, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities.
Families play an integral role in their child’s development. The First Steps system provides families the tools they need to help their child be successful.
News & Updates
First Steps Update
The purpose of this message is to respond to questions that have arisen regarding the action to change the funding source of Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and First Steps.
ECSE/First Steps/Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) Updated Questions and Answers Available Online
The State Performance Plan (SPP), required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), includes an indicator that requires data collection on early childhood outcomes (ECO).
First Steps Parent Connections Newsletter (Spring 2013)
First Steps Provider Connections Newsletter (Spring 2013)
MoSPIN – Parent Education
First Steps Service Coordinators and providers serving children who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind may be interested in learning more about MoSPIN (Missouri Statewide Parent Involvement Network).
REMINDER: Public Comment Period for Part C Application for Federal Funds under IDEA
Public Comment Period for the Part C Application Opens Today (February 27, 2013)
Webinars/Special Education/First Steps Summer Third Birthday Changes Effective June 1, 2013
Note: This webinar includes information about the changes in the proposed Missouri Part C State Plan which will be effective on June 1, 2013.
Part C State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR)
We have filed the revised Part C State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR) with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Part C Application for Federal Funds under IDEA
The Part C application packet for funds under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), developed by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education (OSEP), includes a summary of the certifications, policies, procedures, methods, descriptions, assurances, and descriptions of IDEA use of funds states will use to implement Part C of IDEA.
Update on the Missouri Part C State Plan
At the State Board of Education meeting on January 22, 2013, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Special Education proposed changes to the Missouri Part C State Plan.
REMINDER: Webinars/Special Education/Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) in First Steps and ECSE
Please join us for a webinar on Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) in First Steps and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) January 25, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Updated Guidance on No-show visits
Guidance on no-show visits for providers delivering First Steps services has been updated to reflect the new procedure to enter no-show claims in the WebSPOE.
Webinars/Special Education/Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) in First Steps and ECSE
Please join us for a webinar on Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) in First Steps and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) January 25, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Parent Connections Newsletter (Winter 2013)
Important: No-show visits
Guidance and instructions to claim no-show visits for providers delivering First Steps services was made available in 2011.
Special Instructors and Teaching Certificates
First Steps Special Instructors are NOT required to have teacher certification in order to enroll or deliver services to First Steps families.
Comment Period for Proposed Changes to State Plan for Part C Ends 11/30/12 - REMINDER
The deadline for commenting on proposed changes to the state regulations implementing Part C (birth to three years) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is 4:30 p.m. on November 30, 2012.
Extension of the Comment Period for Proposed Changes to State Plan for Part C
The Office of Special Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, has decided to extend the deadline for commenting on proposed changes to the state regulations implementing Part C (birth to three years) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until 4:30 p.m. on November 30, 2012.
Reimbursement Schedule for Calendar Year 2013
The reimbursement schedule for provider payments has been updated for Calendar Year 2013, beginning with claims entered after December 18, 2012 and any mileage invoices received at the Central Finance Office (CFO) after December 13, 2012.
ECSE Parent Education - MoSPIN
Districts serving children who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) may be interested in learning more about the Missouri Statewide Parent Involvement Network (MoSPIN).
Transition from First Steps to ECSE Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the recent webinar on Transition from First Steps to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) recorded on October 9, 2012, is now available on the Office of Special Education website under "Frequently Asked Questions - Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)" at:
http://dese.mo.gov/se/compliance/Q&A/.
Provider Rate Schedule has been Updated
In a recent review of the provider rates schedule that was posted on the First Steps website, it was determined that there were rates posted erroneously.
NEW! Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guide to Evidence-based Interventions
On July 11, 2012 the consensus publication Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guide to Evidence-based Interventions was formally released.