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Welcome to EarlySteps!
We are here to support you and your family to ensure the provision of high quality services for your child. This page provides important information to help guide you through the EarlySteps intake process. Consider this page an additional tool available for you! Bookmark it for safe keeping!
About EarlySteps
EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers aged birth to three years (36 months) who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays. Children with delays in cognitive, motor, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive development may be eligible for services.
EarlySteps services are designed to improve the family's capacity to enhance their child's development. These services are provided in the child's natural environment, such as the child's home, child care, or any other community setting typical for children aged birth to 3 years (36 months).
Getting Started
Telehealth Services, Virtual Appointments, Communications
EarlySteps Telehealth Services
In March of 2020, Governor Edwards issues a stay at home order which affected our in home appointments. Along with the rest of the world, we went virtual and began offering telehealth services.
Virtual Meetings via Zoom
You will receive information regarding your virtual meetings via email and text messages. We have created a short list of tips to help you prepare for your meetings.
LINKS TO DOWNLOAD ZOOM
Meetings
Three Meeting Process, Encrypted Documents, Rights & More
Three Meeting Process
From the initial intake meeting, to the evaluation and eligibility meeting, to the IFSP meeting, we guide you through each step, introducing you to service providers and coordinators who will become a part of your multidisciplinary team.
Voter Registration
During your initial meeting, your Intake Coordinator will discuss voter registration. We have collected the voter registration information and downloads and are available to assist with initial registration or updating your records.
Parent & Family Rights
When your child is eligible for services in EarlySteps, your family is also entitled to certain rights designed to protect your child and family during your participation in the system.
Parent & Family Rights
All families served by EarlySteps are guaranteed rights; these rights are required by federal and state laws, regulations, and policies and are called Procedural Safeguards.
Learn More
DocuSign & Encrypted Documents
Throughout the process, documents will require your signature. Your Intake Coordinator will review these documents and send them via email, using DocuSign. With DocuSign, you can digitally sign these documents using your cell phone, tablet, or computer.
Access Code
For your protection, all documents are encrypted and require an access code to view and/or sign. Your access code is an 8 character code that combines your child's date of birth (MMDDYY) and the uppercase first and last name initials.
Learn More
Freedom of Choice
Louisiana assures that families have freedom of choice in the selection of an available service coordination agency, a qualified service coordinator, and/or other service providers and the right to change providers or service coordinators.
Service Matrix
EarlySteps will offer families a provider choice list using the service matrix for service coordination and other service providers. Families are asked to sign a Provider Selection Form which verifies that they have been offered a choice and who their selected provider is.
Search the Matrix
FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATION
Support Coordination means the activities carried out by an individual to assist and enable an eligible child and the child’s family to receive the rights, procedural safeguards and services that are authorized to be provided under the state’s early intervention program. (IDEA, Part C Regulations 34 C.F.R. § 303.34)
The service coordinator brings expertise to the early intervention team on navigating the early intervention system, using family-centered practices, linking families to community resources, fostering strong family-professional partnerships, and facilitating and documenting the early intervention process.
FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATION AGENCIES
Families in Region IV have three FSC agencies to choose from and Region V has two agencies.
Following the initial IFSP development, the FSC role as the team leader begins with regular monthly contacts with the family and other team members. The FSC is responsible for facilitating the ongoing IFSP implementation process, monitoring the provision of services, and is the “go to” person to ensure shared communication.
ALL FAMILIES SHOULD HAVE ACTIVE, ONGOING COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR SELECTED FSC.
LEARN ABOUT THE AGENCIES
Tools & Resources
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