Contact EarlySteps

If you think your child might have a developmental delay, you should see if they qualify for EarlySteps.

If you're worried about your child's development for any reason, you should start the process!

The first step is to call your region's EarlySteps System Points of Entry (SPOE) Office.

Image of Paula character on the phone with a speech bubble containing the text 'SPOE Office'

 

It's also helpful to talk to your child's doctor or daycare provider. They may also call to refer your child to EarlySteps.

 

Image of an exclamation markYour doctor may say "Don't Worry, let's see how it goes."
But if you are still worried, call EarlySteps anyway.
Getting services sooner is always better!

 

Click below to learn more:

To get started, you need to contact your region's office that handles EarlySteps.

These offices are called the EarlySteps System Points of Entry (SPOE).

What you can do:

  • Call your region's SPOE.

  • Tell them you want to see if your child can qualify for EarlySteps.

Sometimes a doctor or other person might refer your child to EarlySteps. If this happens, the program will contact you by phone or in person.

When you call, have this information ready:

  • Child's name

  • Parent's name

  • Address

  • Telephone numbers (work and home)

  • Date of Birth

  • Primary Pediatrician

  • Other physicians/agencies/services involved

  • Reason for referral

  • Insurance coverage

What happens next? The EarlySteps program will schedule an Intake visit.


Source: LDH

After you connect with EarlySteps, they will do an intake to see if your child qualifies.

If they do, the next step is to have a meeting and create an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP.

Image showing the process and wait time for an Individual Family Service Plan or IFSP with the text 'After you call or get a referral to EarlySteps, they have 45 days to create the IFSP with you. When the IFSP is done, they have 30 days to start the services. That is 75 days total from when you get the referral to when you start services.'

We'll tell you more about the IFSP in a later section.


Source: LDH, OCDD

Source: LDH