Early Steps Program Policies and Guidance

Early Steps Policies and 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.

Policy Handbook, Section 6.7 – Respite (Policies 6.7.1-6.7.5) will be removed.

    • Respite will be removed from the covered services list in 6.1.1.B.11.
    • The definition of Respite will also be removed from the Policy Handbook.

    Please send any questions to [email protected].

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.

Newborn baby holding onto father's finger