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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Early Steps
Contact Division of Children's Medical Services
- Early Steps Directory 1-800-218-0001
- EarlyStepsDirectory@flhealth.gov
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Mailing Address
Early Steps Program
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1707
Early Steps is Florida's early intervention system that offers services to eligible infants and toddlers, age birth to 36 months, who have or are at-risk for developmental disabilities or delays. Early intervention supports families and caregivers to increase their child’s participation in daily activities and routines that are important to the family.
Positive early learning experiences are crucial for later success in school, the workplace, and the community. Research shows that children’s earliest experiences play a critical role in brain development.
15 Local Early Steps (LES) throughout the state receive referrals from various primary referral sources. Infants and toddlers are assessed in the following developmental domains to determine eligibility: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional and adaptive.
Each child receives an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) that meets his or her unique needs. Families also receive support to develop the skills and confidence needed in helping their child learn and develop.
Services will support children in their communities where they live, learn and play.
There is no income requirement to qualify for the program and although families may choose to allow access to insurance or Medicaid benefits, families are not charged for services.
For more information visit our website. To make a referral to Early Steps, contact the Local Early Steps program serving your area or call (800) 218-0001.
State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP)
Early Intervention programs nationally are required to develop a State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). The purpose of the Florida Early Steps SSIP plan is to implement effective, sustainable policies and practices at the state and local levels to positively impact social-emotional development for infants and toddlers with disabilities ages 0 to 36 months.
SSIP Fact Sheet (Spanish Translation)
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