Early Steps Program

The Early Steps Program provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, disabilities, and at-risk conditions. Services are provided in the home and community where the child lives, learns, and plays. Services begin within 30 days of completing the IFSP, and the IFSP is reviewed at least every 6 months.

Programs

• Early Steps Program — birth to 36 months · Provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, disabilities, and at-risk conditions; services are provided at no cost to families.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–3 years old
• General schedule: Early intervention services are provided in the home and community where the child lives, learns and plays. Services begin within 30 days of completing the IFSP. The IFSP is reviewed at least every 6 months.

About the provider

Florida’s Early Steps program is part of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), Part C. The local Early Steps office responds and performs an initial intake within 5 days of receiving the referral. A service coordinator is assigned and contacts the family at least one day before the evaluation and/or assessment. The evaluation and/or assessment and IFSP are created within 45 days of the referral. Child Outcome Summary (COS) is completed at entry and exit.

Florida’s Early Steps Program is part of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), Part C. Local Early Steps office responds and performs an initial intake within 5 days of receiving the referral. A service coordinator is assigned and contacts the family at least one day prior to the evaluation and/or assessment. The evaluation and/or assessment and IFSP are created within 45 days of the referral. Child Outcome Summary (COS) is completed at entry and exit.

What families say

“Early Steps has made everything so much easier. We have a set schedule every week, which makes appointment setting a breeze, rather than the hassle it used to be.” — Early Steps Parent

“Not only has his vocabulary grown exponentially, he is starting to use short, simple sentences. We credit our service coordinator's efforts and Early Steps for our son's encouraging and measurable progress.” — Early Steps Parent

Last updated October 6, 2026.