Page 15 - FDLRS Focus - Winter 2020
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Early Steps
Florida's Early Steps System
Each child grows at an individual pace, but research shows that a child's first three
years are the most important time for learning. Getting help early puts your child on
the right path to learn and develop at their full potential.
Early Steps is Florida's early intervention system that offers services to eligible infants
and toddlers (birth to thirty-six months) with significant delays or a condition likely to
result in a developmental delay. Early Intervention is provided to support families and
caregivers in developing the competence and confidence to help their child learn and develop.
The Treasure Coast Early Steps Program (TCES) serves a five county area- Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie,
Indian River and Okeechobee Counties. Services are based on Early Steps evaluations and the family's
concerns, resources, and goals. Early Steps uses a Team Based Primary Service Provider approach which
aims to empower each eligible family by providing a comprehensive team of professionals from the
beginning of services through transition. The goal is for the family to receive strong support from one person,
provide a comprehensive team of professionals from beginning to end, and for the family to have fewer
appointments and more time to be a “family.” Services are provided to the family and child where they live,
learn and play, to enable the family to implement developmentally appropriate learning opportunities during
everyday activities and routines.
For most of these services, there will not be a charge or they will be covered by insurance or Medicaid if
applicable. These services are provided by contracted local Early Steps offices across the state of Florida.
Features of Early Steps
• Brings services into the child's life rather than fitting the child into services.
• Maximizes each child's everyday natural learning opportunities.
• Enhances each child's development and participation in community life.
• Provides each child with a consistent team for evaluation and services.
• Gives families options in service decisions and encourages active partnerships.
• Provides a primary service provider to work with your family, other caregivers, and the team.
Transition
Early Steps service coordinators assist the families with coordinating services and transition out of the
program. Transition out may happen when a child meets their goals, a family moves, or at age three. TCES
has a collaborative partnership with the Pre-K ESE departments in each of the 5 counties. TCES has a
contractual agreement with the Palm Beach
County Pre-K ESE department in Palm Beach
County to ensure smooth transition for families.
We work together to complete transition/intake
meetings, evaluations, and eligibility meetings.
We have developed strong working relationships
and hope to continue this agreement for many
years to come.
For more information please call (561) 881-2882.
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