Authority: IC 12-13-2-3; IC 12-13-5-3

Affected: IC 12-17-15

Sec. 3.5. (a) SPOE serves as the local lead agency and shall be responsible for providing one (1) point or location within each service area in the state where referrals will be received for children eligible for early intervention services.

(b) SPOE shall provide the following:

1. (1) Electronic linkage between the service area and the central reimbursement office to ensure that:

   1. (A) eligibility determinations;
   2. (B) enrollment; and
   3. (C) authorizations;
2. for IFSP services occur without delay.

3. (2) Access for children and their families to programs and services to meet:

   1. (A) the child's developmental needs; and
   2. (B) the family's needs to assist their child in meeting his or her needs.
4. (3) Implementation of the provisions of Part C of the Act in a family-centered, equitable, consistent, and culturally competent manner.
5. (4) Knowledge of all providers available to serve eligible children and assist families in the provider selection process.

(c) The SPOE will perform the following functions:

1. (1) Receive referrals.
2. (2) Conduct and complete the intake process.
3. (3) Develop the early intervention record for each child referred to the SPOE, whether or not the child was determined to be eligible.
4. (4) Facilitate the initial IFSP team meeting.
5. (5) Complete the initial IFSP.

(d) Each SPOE shall be:

1. (1) handicapped accessible; and
2. (2) available to the general community fifty-two (52) weeks a year during normal and routine business hours.

(Division of Family Resources; 470 IAC 3.1-3-3.5; filed Mar 9, 1999, 2:05 p.m.: 22 IR 2256; readopted filed Jul 12, 2001, 1:40 p.m.: 24 IR 4235; readopted filed Oct 24, 2007, 11:25 a.m.: 20071121-IR-470070448RFA; readopted filed Aug 23, 2013, 3:36 p.m.: 20130918-IR-470130306RFA; readopted filed Nov 13, 2019, 11:56 a.m.: 20191211-IR-470190490RFA; readopted filed Oct 8, 2025, 3:15 p.m.: 20251105-IR-470240501RFA)