Kentucky’s Early Intervention System (KEIS), formerly known as First Steps, serves children from birth to age three who have a developmental delay or a medical condition known to cause developmental delays. New Vista is the designated Point of Entry for KEIS in the Bluegrass and Lincoln Trail districts, providing developmental services for children and families living in the 17-county Bluegrass service area and the 8-county Lincoln Trail service area. Staff conduct screenings, determine eligibility for services, and coordinate supports and services for families. Parents and caregivers receive coaching and support from professionals in the child’s natural environment. Together they focus on the family’s highest priorities and concerns to help the child make meaningful progress in everyday activities and routines. A child’s natural environment would be at home, at daycare or other community settings. Early intervention empowers families to support their child’s development during the most important years of development.
First Steps Is Now KEIS
If you were referred to First Steps, you are in the right place. First Steps is the former name for Kentucky’s Early Intervention System. Families, pediatricians and hospitals still use both names, so you may see First Steps on a referral form or on discharge paperwork. Either way, the referral comes to the same team.
Child Evaluation Specialists
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- Review initial screenings to determine if a child has a potential delay and is appropriate for further evaluation.
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- Complete evaluations and assessments of children that are used along with other records to determine eligibility and plan a program of services.
Service Coordinators
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- Guide families through the Kentucky’s Early Intervention System program.
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- Coordinate developmental evaluations and gather other records used to determine eligibility.
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- Assist families to obtain on-going services for eligible children.
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- Assist families in locating other community resources for additional help for the family.
Service Professionals
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- Speech Therapist
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- Physical Therapist
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- Occupational Therapist
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- Developmental Interventionist
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- Nutritionist
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- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher
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- Visually Impaired Teacher
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- Psychologist
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- Audiology
Developmental Concerns
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- One-year-old who is not crawling or cruising furniture.
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- Two-year-old who does not have 50 words and not using two-word phrases.
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- Child who does not play with toys appropriately.
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- Child suspected to be on the autism spectrum or has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
If you are concerned a child under the age of three is not meeting developmental milestones, you can make an online referral or contact us at one of our two locations.
Bluegrass Region
Serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Franklin, Fayette, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Nicholas, Madison, Mercer, Powell, Scott and Woodford counties.
New Vista Kentucky’s Early Intervention System
859.271.9448 or 1.800.454.2764
1351 Newtown Pike, Building 5, Lexington, KY 40511
Lincoln Trail District
Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties.
New Vista Kentucky’s Early Intervention System
270.737.5921
2935 Dolphin Drive, Building 2, Suite 204, Elizabethtown, KY 42701