Missouri First Steps

What is Missouri First Steps?

First Steps is Missouri's Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities.

The federal law governing First Steps is Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the lead state agency responsible for implementing the First Steps program.

First Steps is a voluntary program that provides families the tools they need to help their child be successful.

Steps to Get Started

1 • Eligibility

Click here to learn more about eligibility for Missouri First Steps.

To be eligible for early intervention services, children must meet the following requirements:

Age: Be between the ages of birth and 36 months.

Diagnosis: Have been determined to have a diagnosed physical or mental condition associated with developmental disabilities, or a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay or disability, or children who have a developmental delay.

Missouri First Steps Eligibility Criteria

2 • Referral

Click here to learn more about how to make a referral.

Referrals can be made by:

Entering the referral online-Click the button below to access the online referral form.

Calling 866-583-2392 Ext. 3 to be connected to your region's System Point of Entry (SPOE); or directly contacting the SPOE in your area-View the SPOE Regions map here.

Completing a General Referral Form and sending it to the SPOE office where the child lives-Click here to access the downloadable Referral Form.

Online Missouri First Steps Referral Form

Need Assistance?

If found ineligible for Missouri First Steps, reach out to a Family Navigator, for assistance connecting to other resources.

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