HomeChild CareKentuckyKentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS)
How to Apply: Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS)
Kentucky · 5 StepsChildren from birth to age 3 with delays or certain health conditions
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 5: See if your child fits
Birth to age 3
- Baby or toddler under 3
- Behind in growing or learning
- Or a condition like autism or prematurity
Step 2 of 5: Make the first call
Anyone can refer a child
- Call 1-877-417-8377
- Or contact your local Point of Entry
Good to know: No formal papers are needed to start. Health records help if you have them.Step 3 of 5: Screening and evaluation
- Quick screening first
- Full evaluation by specialists
- Sign consent forms
Good to know: Screening and evaluation happen within 45 days of your referral.Step 4 of 5: Make a plan together
The IFSP meeting
- Meet to set goals for your child
- Plan is reviewed every 6 months
Step 5 of 5: Services start
- Help at home, daycare, or park
- Starts within 5 work days
- Coaches support your daily routine
Important: Some families pay a Family Share fee on a sliding scale, up to $400 a month.Good to know: No family is ever turned away because they cannot pay.
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?
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).
Screening: The POE conducts a quick screening to determine if a full evaluation is needed .
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 .
Eligibility determination: If the child meets criteria for significant delay or has an established risk condition, KEIS determines eligibility
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.
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:
Screening and evaluation within 45 calendar days of referral prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov+14manuals-sp-chfs.ky.gov+14chfs.ky.gov+14.
Service delivery begins within 5 working days of family consent to the IFSP .
What do the application steps look like?
Submit a referral to KEIS via the district POE or 1‑877‑41STEPS.
Scheduling and completion of screening.
Full evaluation by developmental professionals.
Eligibility decision by KEIS staff.
IFSP meeting to set goals and services.
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
Last updated June 17, 2025