Early Steps Program Policies and Guidance

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.

Notice – The IDEA Part C Grant Application and 2024 Proposed Policy Changes have been posted, effective March 20, 2024.

Public hearings will be held on Friday, April 19^th, at 10:00 AM EST and Monday, April 22^nd, at 2:00 PM EST, to allow for public participation.

The opportunity for public comment on the proposed policies and the Part C application will be available for 30 days after public hearing, beginning April 19^th, 2024, through May 19^th, 2024. Comments will be accepted from the public, including parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities, providers of services, advocacy groups and organizations, as well as other stakeholders in the state. All public comments must be directed to [email protected].

Draft FFY 2024 Florida Part C Application

Proposed Policy Amendments

Proposed – Certificate of Experience Form

Proposed – Authorization to Disclose Confidential Information (English)

Proposed – Authorization to Disclose Confidential Information (Spanish)

Proposed – Authorization to Disclose Confidential Information (Haitian Creole)

Proposed – Request for Approval of Public Awareness Materials

Proposed – Mentorship Documentation Form

April 19th Public Hearing Meeting Notice

April 22nd Public Hearing Meeting Notice