First Steps is a statewide early intervention system which provides services to children from birth to age three with developmental disabilities and their families. First Steps is Kentucky's response to the federal initiative called the Infant-Toddler Program (ITP) established by Public Law 99-457 Part C. First Steps offers comprehensive services through coordination with a variety of community agencies and service disciplines. First Steps is administered by the Department for Public Health within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. First Steps provides services in all Kentucky counties. Services may be provided in home, in center-based programs, or in clinical settings depending upon the needs of the child and family and the availability of services in a given area.
First Steps serves children from birth to age three and their families. Children are determined eligible for services in two ways:
Interested people can call (800) 442-0087 or contact the Point of Entry office (see Appendix B) in their district of residence to refer a child who may have a developmental delay or affecting medical condition to the First Steps service systems.
Call (800) 442-0087 or see Appendix B for Point of Entry district office contact information
Services are available to any child and family who meet developmental eligibility criteria, regardless of income. However, families are expected to pay a monthly participation fee (Family Share) that is determined by a sliding fee scale based on the family's size and earned income. Families of children who qualify for Medicaid or KCHIP are exempt from paying the Family Share.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
KATS Network Coordinating Center
Charles McDowell Center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
Local: (502) 429-4484
Toll Free: (800) 327-5287
Fax: (502) 429-7114