Early Steps is Florida's early intervention program for children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities or conditions such as autism. Anyone can refer a child, including parents, and there is no income requirement. In Palm Beach County, the local program is Treasure Coast Early Steps, run by Easterseals: 561-882-6426.
Who can get Early Steps?
Children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities or at-risk conditions. No diagnosis is required:
- A child with an established condition, such as autism, a genetic or neurological disorder, or a vision or hearing impairment, may qualify because of it.
- With no diagnosis but with concerns, a team evaluates health, hearing and vision, learning, movement, communication, social skills and self-help skills such as eating and dressing.
How do I refer my child in Palm Beach County?
- Call Treasure Coast Early Steps, the Easterseals program for Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties: 561-882-6426.
- Or use the state Early Steps line, 1-800-218-0001, or its online referral form, which has a Spanish version.
- Anyone can refer: parents, relatives, doctors or friends.
What happens after I call?
Early Steps lists these steps:
- The local office does an intake within 5 days of the referral, and a service coordinator is assigned.
- Within 45 days of the referral, your child is evaluated and, if eligible, the team writes an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) with your family.
- Services start within 30 days of the plan, at home and in the community. The plan is reviewed at least every 6 months.
What does it cost?
There is no income requirement. Early Steps pays for services that public or private insurance does not cover, and private insurance is billed only with a parent's permission.
What happens at age 3?
Early Steps serves children up to 36 months. For ages 3 to 5, the school district's Child Find page points to FDLRS/Alpha. Florida law (section 391.3081) created an Extended Option to stay until the school year after the fourth birthday, but it depends on state and federal approval and funding, and Early Steps says it lacks the resources to start it in the upcoming fiscal year.
How does it relate to an autism diagnosis and ABA?
The Early Steps evaluation has a different purpose and may not count as the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation Medicaid asks for before ABA; our autism evaluation guide explains that step. Ask your service coordinator and your Medicaid plan how both services fit together. Paramount Behavior provides ABA therapy at home and at school, in English and Spanish: (561) 421-0047.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Anyone can refer a child to Early Steps, including parents and caregivers.
What is an IFSP?
The Individualized Family Support Plan: the plan the Early Steps team builds with your family around your child's strengths and needs. It is reviewed at least every 6 months.
Can my child stay in Early Steps after age 3?
Not for now. The Extended Option is in Florida law, but Early Steps says it lacks the resources to start it in the upcoming fiscal year and keeps serving enrolled children up to age 3.
General information as of October 30, 2026, not medical advice. If you are worried about your child's development, don't wait for the next checkup: call the pediatrician. In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- Eligibility and Screening. Florida Department of Health, Early Steps Program, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Enrollment Roadmap. Florida Department of Health, Early Steps Program, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Make a Referral. Florida Department of Health, Early Steps Program, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Early Steps Treasure Coast. Easterseals Florida, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Child Find. School District of Palm Beach County, accessed October 30, 2026.