September 2018 marks 25 years of the Early Steps program providing services in Florida under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Early Steps provides services to infants and toddlers, age birth to thirty-six months, with disabilities, developmental delays, or at-risk conditions. In 2016-17, Early Steps served more than 51,000 of Florida’s children.

Local Early Steps programs in 15 geographic regions ensure Florida’s eligible children are served where they live, learn, and play, and that families are empowered to help their children improve their developmental outcomes and meet their needs. The Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services supports the 15 local programs with high-quality systems including program oversight, fiscal sustainability, quality standards, personnel development, data, accountability, and program improvement.

The early years are crucial to support health and social outcomes throughout the course of life. Further, early intervention services in the first few years of a child’s life can help greatly reduce the need for services as a child grows older. Florida’s Early Steps Program will continue its legacy of serving infants and toddlers with unique abilities and helping to meet their full potential.

To view the Governor’s Proclamation on the 25th Anniversary of Early Steps, please click the link below.

Governor Proclaims September 2018 as the 25th Anniversary of Florida Early Steps