Early Steps
What it is. Florida's early-intervention program for babies and toddlers. Provides developmental evaluation, a service coordinator, a family plan (IFSP), and therapies (speech, OT, PT, developmental) delivered at home or in the community. Direct assistance, free.
Who it's for. Children under 36 months with either an established condition likely to cause delay (genetic or neurological disorders, autism, vision or hearing loss, birth weight under 1,200 g, and others) or a developmental delay found on Early Steps' own evaluation (the state does not publish the cutoff). No income requirement. Early Steps pays for services your insurance does not cover, and private insurance is billed only with your permission.
First step. Anyone can refer — a parent, relative, or doctor. Submit the online referral (opens in a new tab) or call 1-800-218-0001. You can also call your local program directly:
| County | Local program | Referral line |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | Central Florida Early Steps (Howard Phillips Center, Orlando Health) | 321-842-3294 |
| Volusia | North Beaches Early Steps (Easterseals Florida), East Volusia office, Daytona Beach (Mon–Fri 8–5); serves all of Volusia | 386-873-0365 |
| Alachua | UF North Central Early Steps, Gainesville | 352-273-8560 (intake) |
| Duval | Northeastern Early Steps (UF Jacksonville Pediatrics) | 904-427-7600 |
Good to know.
- The program runs on fixed timelines: intake within 5 days of referral; evaluation and family plan (IFSP) within 45 days of referral; services start within 30 days after the plan; plan reviewed at least every 6 months.
- Services end at age 3; the program plans the transition to the school district (FDLRS Child Find) with you.
Cost. Free.
Official source. floridaearlysteps.com (opens in a new tab) · Make a referral (opens in a new tab)
Not yet confirmed: Orange, Alachua, and Duval office hours; which office West Volusia (DeLand/Deltona) families visit in person.