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Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS)

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Kentucky Early Intervention System.

What is the Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS)?

The Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS)—formerly known as First Steps—is Kentucky’s statewide early intervention program under IDEA Part C. It serves children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or specific medical conditions, offering family-centered services through the Department for Public Health's Early Childhood Development Branch.

How do I apply for KEIS?

  1. Referral: Anyone (parent, provider, physician, or friend) can refer a child to KEIS by contacting your district’s Point of Entry (POE) office or calling 1‑877‑417‑8377 (1‑877 41STEPS).

  2. Screening: The POE conducts a quick screening to determine if a full evaluation is needed .

  3. Evaluation: A qualified evaluator assesses the child across five developmental domains—communication, cognition, physical, social-emotional, and self-help—within about 45 days of referral .

  4. Eligibility determination: If the child meets criteria for significant delay or has an established risk condition, KEIS determines eligibility

  5. IFSP development: If eligible, the POE team schedules a meeting—within 45 days of referral—to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) tailored to your child and family.

  6. Service delivery: Services start within 5 working days of the family's consent, preferably in natural settings like home or childcare.

How long does it take to receive services?

KEIS timelines include:

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Submit a referral to KEIS via the district POE or 1‑877‑41STEPS.

  2. Scheduling and completion of screening.

  3. Full evaluation by developmental professionals.

  4. Eligibility decision by KEIS staff.

  5. IFSP meeting to set goals and services.

  6. Begin family-centered services (speech, therapy, etc.) in your child’s natural environment.

What documentation is required?

  • Referral information: Who referred your child; no formal documents needed.

  • Health or medical records (if applicable): useful for eligibility considerations.

  • Family input: essential during evaluation and IFSP development.

  • Consent forms for evaluations, IFSP, service provision, insurance, and any assistants involved in sessions .

Common FAQs

1. Who can refer my child?
Anyone—parents, providers, doctors, or individuals concerned about the child’s development .

2. What are eligibility criteria?
A significant developmental delay (2 SDs in one domain or 1.5 SDs in two), or an established risk condition such as genetic diagnosis, prematurity, or autism spectrum diagnoses.

3. Where do services happen?
In natural environments—home, daycare, park, or community—using a coaching approach to support your child’s everyday routines.

4. Are there fees?
Families may have a Family Share fee based on a sliding scale up to $400/month, but no family is denied service due to inability to pay.

5. How often is the IFSP reviewed?
At least every 6 months—or sooner, if your needs change.

Who do I contact about my application status?

  • Call KEIS at 1‑877‑417‑8377 (1-877‑41STEPS) to make a referral or check status.

  • District Point of Entry (POE): Contact your local office for updates; find your POE on the KEIS enrollment page.

  • Kentucky CHFS – Department for Public Health, Early Childhood Development Branch

    • Address: 275 E. Main St., HS2‑EE, Frankfort, KY 40621

    • Phone: (502) 564‑3756