Early Steps Orientation

What is Early Steps?

Early Steps offers early intervention services for families with infants and toddlers (birth to thirty-six months) who have developmental delays or an established condition likely to result in a developmental delay. It is a statewide, family-focused, multidisciplinary system of early intervention services for eligible children and their families. The system is administered by Children's Medical Services (CMS) within the Florida Department of Health. Federal funding for the program is provided through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The federal funds are enhanced by state and local resources.

Early Steps has the following components: Developmental Evaluation Program (DEI), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C, and services provided under Chapter 393 Florida Statutes (F.S.) for children birth to thirty-six months.

What services are available through Early Steps?

Services are provided by 16 local Early Steps offices that are contracted through community based organizations across the State of Florida. Many types of services and supports are available through Early Steps for eligible children and their families, such as identification, evaluation, assessment and service coordination, as well as direct intervention within the everyday routines, activities and places of the child and family. The family receives an individualized family support plan (IFSP) outlining services the Early Steps team determines appropriate. Services are based on the concerns, priorities, and resources identified by the child's family and desired outcomes indicated on the IFSP.