First Steps Listserv
Subject: Addressing Challenges with EIT Implementation – QA document
Source: Pam Thomas, Coordinator, First Steps Program
Intended Audience: First Steps providers, Service Coordinators and SPOE Directors
Date: January 12, 2012
Over the past two years Missouri First Steps has been implementing a team approach to service delivery, a model called Early Intervention Team (EIT). To date, each System Point of Entry (SPOE) region has at least one team established where all new First Steps referrals are assigned to a team. Some areas of the state have all team members identified, while other areas of the state are working toward the completion of teams.
In the process of identification and implementation of teams, several challenges have surfaced. To better assist providers and SPOE staff with the implementation of teams, several questions have been answered in a new document titled “Addressing Challenges with EIT Implementation.” That document is now available online at:
http://dese.mo.gov/se/fs/documents/se-fs-addresschallengeswitheitimplementationqa010912.pdf
The information contained in the document answers the following questions:
- Can the Supporting Provider see the child and family without the Primary Provider present?
- When is it appropriate for the IFSP team to consider a change in the Primary Provider?
- Can assistants be utilized as Primary or Supporting Provider on the EIT?
- What are some strategies that SPOEs can use to complete teams and begin serving children and families?
- What should occur at an EIT meeting?
- How will training and support be offered to new and ongoing Early Intervention Team (EIT) providers?
Please take time to review these questions and answers as they may relate to challenges your EIT or SPOE region may be having with EIT implementation. Hopefully teams in your region will be able to discuss this information and use it to move forward with successful teaming.