First Steps Listserv
Subject: Reminder – IFSP services
To: First Steps Providers and Service Coordinators
From: Pam Thomas, Coordinator of the First Steps program
Date: November 17, 2010
There continues to be confusion about making changes and/or adding First Steps services within the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Below are two reminders:
- When assistive technology is needed in order to meet a First Steps outcome, the identification of the specific device or service must be discussed at an IFSP meeting in order for the device to be borrowed or purchased through First Steps. The SPOE office is required to identify and track every assistive technology device that is ordered in the respective SPOE region. On the other hand, if the device is a medical necessity and not related to First Steps outcomes in the IFSP, then the device can be identified and ordered outside of First Steps.
- Any change or “adjustment” to the frequency, intensity, duration or location of First Steps services as listed in the IFSP, as well as the identification of a new service or ordering assistive technology, requires providers to notify the child’s Service Coordinator PRIOR to the change. Regardless of the situation, the Service Coordinator must obtain parental consent before adding or changing any IFSP services.
For more information about IFSP Team Discussions, please review the technical assistance document that is available online at: http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/documents/ATtechassistdoc051210.pdf