for Children under Age 3 with Developmental Delays
Early Steps is Florida’s early intervention
system that offers services, to eligible
children, birth to thirty-six months,
with significant developmental delays
or a condition likely to result in a
developmental delay. Parents, caregivers
or professionals who feel a child has a
developmental delay or is at risk of having
a developmental delay are encouraged
to contact Early Steps of Central Florida
to make a referral. If it is found that the
child needs an assessment, an appointment
will be given to the family for the child to
have an evaluation by Early Steps. Infants
and toddlers are assessed in the following
developmental domains to determine
eligibility: physical, cognitive, adaptive,
social-emotional and communication.
An Individualized Family Support Plan,
(IFSP), is created based on goals and
outcomes for every child who qualifies for
Early Steps. A Team Based Primary Care
Provider Approach is used to empower
families with the knowledge and skills
to support their child. A Primary Care
Provider is assigned to a family based on
the needs of the child, goals, and expertise
in the areas of needed support. Services are
provided where the child lives, learns and
plays. There is no income requirement to
qualify for services and no out of pocket
costs to families. Private insurance and
Medicaid will be billed. Early Steps assists
with transition to the Public School
System for children needing supports after
their third birthday.
Early Steps of Central Florida, also
known as the Developmental Center for
Infants and Children, serves families in
Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.
On January 1st, 2000, Orlando Health
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
brought together core programs to
help children, heal families and build
communities at the Howard Phillips
Center for Children and Families. As
one of the six core programs, the goal
of Early Steps of Central Florida is to
provide culturally appropriate support
to help families strengthen their child’s
intellectual, physical, social, sensory
and emotional abilities. Services include
Services include assessing for
the presence of delays and
disabilities, providing direct
services and therapies to support
child development . . . workshops,
social activities and resources.
assessing for the presence of delays and
disabilities, providing direct services and
therapies to support child development
and the family, and a range of educational
workshops, social activities and resources.
Experts who make up the Early Steps
of Central Florida Team include: Family
Care Coordinators; Family Resource
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