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Dear First Steps
Families in Phase II areas:
It is important for families to have accurate information regarding the
Missouri First Steps System. We want to share information with you regarding
changes in the System Point of Entry (SPOE) for your area. We hope this
letter will provide you information and answer your questions.
Why
are changes being made?
Missouri
established the current SPOE system 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, the Phase II SPOEs were rebid during the past
several months. This structure will align the remainder of the state with
the rebid that occurred in July 2004 and addresses stakeholder concerns.
Based on this new bid, seven SPOE Regions will begin operations on February
1, 2006, under this “new bid structure”. A map of
the new SPOE regions
can be found at
http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/pdfs/SPOE_Bid_Revised.pdf
a.
Northeast SPOE (Region 3)
b.
Greater Kansas City SPOE (Region 5)
c. Central
SPOE (Region 6)
d.
Southwest SPOE (Region 7)
e.
South Central SPOE (Region 8)
f. East Central SPOE (Region 9)
g. Southeast SPOE (Region 10)
What changes are being made?
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
The
RICC will play an important role in the First Steps system, but will depend
upon The volunteer services of families and other early intervention
providers.
4. Evaluators will be identified by the SPOE to conduct evaluations and
review services.
What changes
can families expect?
1.
Currently Authorized Services
Early intervention services currently authorized will continue with your
child’s
existing providers. Authorizations for service coordination will end
February 1, 2006.
2. Service Coordination
The process of service coordination will not significantly change as far as
the
family
is concerned. Since service coordinators will now be employees of the SPOE
or DMH, they will no longer bill their services through the CFO. Families
that currently have a DMH service coordinator will, in many cases, continue
with that service coordinator. The new SPOEs are hiring service
coordinators, some of which may include current Independent Service
Coordinators. To the
extent possible, families will remain with existing service coordinators.
However, if an existing independent service coordinator is not or will not
be “employed” by the SPOE, families will be required to change service
coordinators. The new SPOE directors are committed to keeping changes to a
minimum. Families will be contacted by the new SPOE if a change in service
coordinator is required. There is no need for you to call and ask if your
child or family will be affected by this change. Please be assured
that we are working with the new SPOEs to make this a smooth transition
process with minimal interruptions. We feel the changes will improve
services for First Steps families as well as increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of SPOE operations. All existing SPOEs will continue
operations
through January 31, 2006. SPOE personnel are working closely with the new
SPOEs to make a smooth transition for families. We appreciate your patience
during this transition process.
Sincerely,
Deborah U. Parsons, Coordinator
Special Education Services |
