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.
First Steps works with families by ensuring that coordinated services are provided as conveniently as possible. Participation in First Steps is voluntary and is intended to help families of children with disabilities:
- Understand their child’s special needs
- Obtain the help they desire to deal with situations that could interfere with their child’s growth and development.
- Provide the best conditions for their child’s growth and development.
!
Share Your Early Childhood Story
!
Steps to Success On-Demand Online Trainings
This series of trainings was developed for parents of children, birth to age three. The trainings will help parents to understand the First Steps Program, teach them effective communication and advocacy skills, and help them to prepare for Early Child Special Education.
Online Training Resource Documents
- First Steps Parental Rights Statement | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Dispute Resolution Options for Parents/Stakeholders
- Due Process Hearing Parent Request Model Form
- Missouri First Steps System Structure | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Mediation Request Model Form
- Child Complaint Model Form
- Developmental Screening Process for Children Birth to Kindergarten Entry | Early Connections
- First Steps SPOE Contact Information by Region | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
First Steps Fact Sheets
First Steps Family Stakeholder Meetings.
!
To obtain parent/guardian input that will assist the DESE First Steps staff in increasing awareness of services provided and improvement initiatives, such as family outcomes, childhood outcomes, and other topics of interest to families.
Meeting Format:
Scheduled quarterly
Limited to one hour or less, times chosen by participants Provide input and feedback on topics impacting families
Visit the First Steps Parent Information page, containing important topics for parents. If you have any questions or would like to join the next stakeholder meeting, please contact the Early Intervention section at:
(573) 522-0045
EMAIL
EarlyIntervention@dese.mo.gov
!
Educational Surrogate
Here’s what you should know:
An Educational Surrogate is an impartial individual who fills the role of parent for a child with a disability whenever decisions are being made about the child’s evaluation and assessment, development and review of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), ongoing delivery of services and any other rights established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when there is no natural parent or other adult authorized to make decisions on behalf of the child.
The purpose of being an Educational Surrogate:
To act as a parent for a child with a disability when there is no authorized adult to make educational decisions under the IDEA.
The benefit of being an Educational Surrogate:
The Educational Surrogate has the same rights as a parent for the purpose of participation in the First Steps program. Serving as an Educational Surrogate costs nothing.
The process of becoming an Educational Surrogate for the First Steps Program:
Training is provided free of charge and all reasonable expenses are reimbursed according to DESE requirements. Individuals wanting to become a Part C Early Intervention (birth to 3) Educational Surrogate can visit DESE’s website or scan the QR code for steps to completing the application and training process.
Contact The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at 573-751-0699 or visit https://dese.mo.gov/educational-surrogate for more information.
!
Early Childhood Resources
Missouri Family Resources https://familyresources.mo.gov/
Missouri Early Care & Education Connections https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/
DESE’s Office of Childhood https://dese.mo.gov/childhood