Early Steps Policies & Guidance
Florida’s Early Steps Program is part of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), Part C. For more information and guidance about Florida’s Early Steps Program, please review the Policy Handbook and Operations Guide.
Each year, Florida Early Steps’ policies are reviewed, and there is opportunity for public comment on the proposed policy updates and Part C application. Those announcements will be found here, as well as in the Florida Administrative Register (FAR), as applicable.
NEW: Part C Application and Proposed Policy Review Period 2023
The review period for the proposed policies and the Part C application begins March 24, 2023, and will end on May 24, 2023. The opportunity for public comment on the proposed policies and the Part C application is available for 30 days beginning April 24, 2023 through May 24, 2023, and can be submitted to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted from the public, including parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities, providers of services, advocacy groups and organizations and other stakeholders in the state. The Early Steps State Office must receive your comments no later than May 24, 2023.
The Proposed Changes can be found below:
FFY 2023 Part C Grant Application – Draft
2.1.7 Public Awareness Material Approval Request
3.3.4. Consent For Screening Evaluation Assessment and Follow-up – English
3.3.4. Consent For Screening Evaluation Assessment and Follow-up – Spanish
3.3.4. Consent For Screening Evaluation Assessment and Follow-up – Haitian Creole
4.1.5. Electronic Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP)
6.4.1. Assistive Technology Assessment Form
Public participation meetings will be held on:
Monday, April 24, 2023, 2:00 P.M. EST via Microsoft Teams – Public Notice
Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 10:00 A.M. EST via Microsoft Teams – Public Notice
Policy Handbook
The Early Steps Policy Handbook outlines Federal and State program requirements, policies and procedures, and provides information on how and when to complete forms, letters, or other documentation.
Operations Guide
The Early Steps Operations Guide is supplemental to the Policy Handbook, and serves to explain how to implement a policy, outline steps, or recommend actions to support implementation.
