Early Steps
Florida’s Early Steps Program helps children and families thrive, providing early intervention services to infants and toddles, right where they grow.
Helping children and families thrive.
Early Steps provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers, from birth to 36 months, with developmental delays, disabilities, and at-risk conditions. We work closely with your family to build on your child’s individual strengths and meet their unique needs.
Individualized services take place where your child lives, learns, and plays, so developmentally appropriate learning can be woven into everyday activities.
Eligibility & cost
Review the full criteria at FloridaEarlySteps.com
Anyone can make a referral
Parents, caregivers, and providers can all refer a child. To enroll, a child must first be found eligible through a developmental evaluation.
No cost to qualify
There is no income or insurance requirement. Early Steps pays for services not covered by public or private insurance.
Insurance, your call
Insurance is only billed with parent authorization – you stay in control of how services are covered for your family.
Early intervention services
A full range of supports, delivered in your child’s natural environment by a coordinated team.
Assistive Technologies
Tools and devices that help your child communicate, move, and learn.
Developmental Monitoring
Screening & evaluation to track milestones and identify needs early.
Hearing & Vision
Specialized services that support healthy sensory development.
Individualized Sessions
One-on-one early intervention built around your child’s strengths.
Therapies
Occupational, physical & speech therapies to grow everyday skills.
Service Coordination
Professional support that connects your family to every resource.
Community Playgroups
Early Steps offers playgroups regularly throughout the community – free to all children ages 0–5. See the calendar for dates and locations near you.
Make a referral
Anyone can refer a child to Early Steps. Start a referral and our team will guide your family through eligibility and next steps.
Early Steps services across 10 counties
The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida proudly manages the Early Steps Program in Collier, Lee, Glades, and Hendry Counties (SWFL), plus the Gulf Central Area: Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, Highlands, Hardee, and Sarasota.
Stay connected
Gulf Central Early Steps Padlet
A living board of resources, activities, and updates for families and providers, refreshed regularly by our team.
We'd love your feedback!
Parents and caregivers – if you’ve received Early Steps services in Southwest or Gulf Central, please take our short survey.