Module One: Lesson One

Early Steps Services

The Early Steps system provides services to meet the individual developmental needs of the child and the needs of the family related to supporting and enhancing the child's development. Services are provided in the child/family's everyday routines, activities, and places in accordance with the child's Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP).

IDEA, Part C requires a statewide system of coordinated, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, interagency programs providing appropriate early intervention services to all eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families residing in Florida. The Developmental Evaluation and Intervention (DEI) program and the Infant Hearing Impairment Program provide services for eligible children based on need and the availability of resources.

All infants and toddlers referred to Early Steps for determination of eligibility for the IDEA, Part C program are entitled to the core Part C services without any cost to the family. Early Steps does not charge any fees to families for services, regardless of income. However, Early Steps may seek payment for services from third party payors.

Core Part C services are those activities and services that Early Steps provides for all infants, toddlers and their families referred to Early Steps as potentially eligible for program services. The following are core services:

• Screening and Referral
• Evaluation and Assessment
• Service Coordination
• Individualized Family Support Planning

Infants and toddlers who meet the eligibility criteria for the IDEA, Part C program are entitled to early intervention services. Early intervention services are those services designed to meet the developmental needs of the eligible child, under the IDEA, Part C, and the needs of the family related to supporting the child's development. Services selected in collaboration with the child's family are provided under public supervision by qualified personnel, and in conformity with the child's IFSP. Types of early intervention services are as follows:

• Assistive Technology
• Audiology Services
• Early Intervention Sessions
• Family Support and Training
• Health Services
• Medical Services (for diagnostic/evaluation purposes)
• Nursing Services
• Nutritional Services
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Psychological Services
• SHINE Services (Serving Hearing Impaired Newborns Effectively)
• Social Services
• Special Instruction Consultation
• Special Instruction Consultation Plan Development Service
• Special Instruction Cooperating Agency Service
• Speech Therapy
• Transportation and Related Costs
• Vision Services
• Translator Services
• Respite

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