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.
The following policy, operations, and form changes have been approved by OSEP along with the 2024 Part C application – these changes will go into effect Monday, September 16th, 2024.
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
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.
