If a child is a ward of the State or does not have an identified parent or educational decision maker, then an Educational Surrogate is needed to represent the child in all educational matters. The Educational Surrogate has the same rights as a parent for the purpose of participation in the First Steps program.

Individuals wanting to become a Part C Early Intervention (birth to 3) Educational Surrogate must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Access the Required Free Online Training

• Module 1: Orientation (For more information on how to register in the Canvas system to complete Module 1: Orientation access the How to Register link.) 

Step 2: Complete Module 1: Orientation

• Receive a generated certificate from the Canvas system after completion of Module 1, save the certificate to send with completed application. 

Step 3: Complete and Send Part C Educational Surrogate Application

• Send completed Part C Educational Surrogate Application to DESE, Office of Special Education (OSE), Compliance Secompliance@dese.mo.gov  Subject line: Part C Educational Surrogate

Step 4: Complete Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) Background Check

• The Office of Special Education, Compliance will send information on how to complete an FCSR background check once your application is reviewed. Access information about the FCSR and how to complete and submit a background screening on the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) website. 

Step 5: Send FCSR Background Check

• An encrypted email will be sent to the Educational Surrogate from DHSS. This email will then be submitted to Secompliane@dese.mo.gov Subject line: FCSR-Part C, as part of final approval from the Office of Special Education, Compliance. 

Step 6: Approval Letter and Option to Contract

• The Office of Special Education, Compliance will send an official approval letter with information on how to register in the DESE Applications system and directions on how to contract with DESE in the MissouriBUYS powered by MOVERS, if interested. 

Step 7: Access to DESE Applications Educational Surrogate System

• Office of Special Education, Compliance will add the Educational Surrogate into DESE Applications system and provide the Surrogate with a Surrogate System User ID.

Step 8: Creating an Educational Surrogate Profile

• A profile must be completed in DESE Applications to access information about the System Point of Entry (SPOE) office in need of a Part C Educational Surrogate. For more information on how to create a profile access the User Manual for Educational Surrogates below. 

Step 9: Assigning an Educational Surrogate

• If an Educational Surrogate is requested by the System Point of Entry (SPOE) office for Part C the Office of Special Education, Compliance will assign an Educational Surrogate in the DESE Application Surrogate System. A certificate will be sent to the Educational Surrogate, and it will document the SPOE office they are assigned to. 

Step 10: Contacting the SPOE Office 

• Once the Educational Surrogate gets an assignment they must contact the SPOE office to begin the process of reviewing the child’s electronic record and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). 

DESE Applications Information

• User Manual for DESE Applications for Educational Surrogates
• User Manual for DESE Applications for System Point of Entry (SPOE)

Resources

• Ready to Become an Educational Surrogate-Flyer
• Educational Surrogate-Part C Video
• Video: Welcome to First Steps for Families | Spanish
• System Point of Entry Process for Requesting an Educational Surrogate
• Part C Educational Surrogate Program Q&A
• Need for an Educational Surrogate: Part C Decision Making Flow Chart
• DESE Office of Special Education, Compliance Contact Information: Secompliance@dese.mo.gov or 573-751-0699