Module One: Lesson One

Local Early Steps Responsibilities

The Local Early Steps contract holder provides the focus for the implementation of program services at the local level. Local Early Steps have responsibility for the following:

• Services
• Implementing the DEI component, including infant hearing services
• Ensuring the provision of IDEA, Part C core and required services
• Ensuring implementation of the Early Steps program components

Each Local Early Steps is required to ensure the provision of certain programmatic and coordinative functions and to inform the Early Steps State Office contract manager of each individual who is designated as responsible for fulfilling each function. Although a Medical Director is not required, it is a requirement that Local Early Steps have a physician and psychologist available to provide appropriate clinical supervision for medical and psychological services. Required programmatic and coordinative functions include:

• Program coordination and administration
• Availability of medical and psychological services
• Service coordination
• Data and fiscal activities
• Training requirements
• Family Resource Specialist services

Each Local Early Steps must identify a specific individual as the program coordinator. This person is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the program and serves as the primary contact person for the program.

Local Early Steps fiscal responsibilities include:

• Accessing Medicaid Funds: Federal Law requires that Part C is utilized as the payor of last resort. Part C is designed to be part of a collaborative, coordinated system of services and supports which utilizes a wide variety of local, state and national funding sources and services to meet the needs of eligible children and their families. Therefore, Local Early Steps and direct service providers are required to access Medicaid funds for eligible services provided to Medicaid enrolled families, including targeted case management and early intervention services. Service providers must also access all other resources such as private insurance, Military Tri-Care insurance and all other available resources and program funds.
• Developing Written Procedures: Local Early Steps must develop written procedures for ensuring that Medicaid billable services are appropriately billed and collected including procedures for conducting a monthly review and research of the Errors on Billing report submitted from Medicaid indicating the number of claims paid, suspended or denied.
• Contracting with Providers: Each Local Early Steps ensures that there are contracts written or other arrangements made with community agencies and other providers for the delivery of early intervention services. Local Early Steps are responsible for implementing local quality assurance measures to determine compliance with program and contract requirements.

This flowchart illustrates the Early Steps flow of funds starting at the federal level, through the state level, and down to the Local Early Steps program.

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