UK KEDS First Steps

The purpose of UK KEDS First Steps (FS) is to support the reporting of annual child monitoring data from all First Steps providers across the state. The KEDS system provides a universal data platform that allows for the collection and analysis of data from state-approved curriculum-based assessments to provide several reports to FS Lead Agency (LA) staff. Assessment and demographic data are collected for all children in the program from entry to exit. There are approximately 11,000 children in the FS program each year, with rolling enrollment based on eligibility and exit based on successful completion of individual goals or age three. Annual reports for exiting children include: 1) child progress on the three Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) child outcomes and 2) progress on two OSEP summary statements or targets for all FS children in Kentucky (KY) and by Point of Entry (POE) offices. Lastly, annual reports for enrolled children include child progress on meeting Kentucky Early Childhood Standards (KY EC Standards) for children aged birth to three years, at aggregated state and individual child levels.