Early Steps and Early Intervention (Ages 0 to 5)
Florida Early Steps, toddler ABA, turning three, Child Find, pre-K ESE and specialized VPK.
Understand
Start here: the basics, in plain language.
- Understand'Developmentally Delayed' Eligibility (Ages 3-9): What Happens After 2nd Grade or Age 10Florida's developmentally delayed ESE category (Rule 6A-6.03027) for ages 3 to 9: criteria, how it differs from autism eligibility and the age-10 cutoff.5 min read
- UnderstandDoes an Autism Diagnosis Automatically Qualify My Toddler for Early Steps?Autism is an Early Steps established condition: a confirmed diagnosis qualifies a toddler without delay testing. Who can confirm it and what to do next.6 min read
- UnderstandEarly Steps Eligibility in Plain English: The 1.5 and 2.0 Standard Deviation RulesHow Florida Early Steps eligibility works: established conditions like autism, the 1.5 and 2.0 standard deviation rules, clinical opinion and 90-day records.5 min read
- UnderstandEarly Steps Florida: Who Qualifies, How to Refer and What It Covers (Birth to 3)Florida Early Steps explained from the October 2026 handbook: who qualifies, how to refer, the 45-day timeline, no family fees, the IFSP and turning 3.6 min read
- UnderstandEarly Steps Local Offices by County: Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and MoreLocal Early Steps programs for Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Hillsborough, Polk, Duval, Orange and more, with contacts confirmed on official pages and the 800 line.5 min read
- UnderstandFDLRS and Child Find: Free Developmental Screening for Ages 3 to 5 in FloridaHow FDLRS Child Find screening works for Florida children ages 3 to 5, what the district must do after a concern, and the FDLRS center for your county.5 min read
- UnderstandFlorida's Prekindergarten Program for Children With Disabilities (ESE Pre-K)Florida district pre-K for children with disabilities ages 3 to 5: who qualifies, the IEP by age 3, how placement is decided, and pairing it with ABA.5 min read
- UnderstandWhat Happened to the Early Steps Extended Option Past Age 3?Florida's Early Steps Extended Option (s. 391.3081) would extend services past age 3, but Early Steps says it lacks the resources to implement it.5 min read
- UnderstandYour Child's IFSP: What It Is and What Goes in ItWhat an IFSP is in Florida Early Steps: required contents, the 45-day deadline, six-month reviews, declining services and how it differs from an IEP.6 min read
Compare options
Weighing your options and planning.
- Compare optionsDaycare or ABA Center? Choosing Full-Day Care for a Young Autistic ChildDaycare with ABA support, center-based ABA or a mixed week: how they compare for young autistic children, Florida child care rules and questions to ask.6 min read
- Compare optionsEarly Steps and Private ABA: Can Your Toddler Get Both?Early Steps and private ABA compared for Florida toddlers: what each provides, how insurance works when you use both, and how to coordinate goals.6 min read
- Compare optionsEarly Steps, Child Find or CARD? Which Florida Program Does WhatEarly Steps, Child Find (FDLRS) and CARD compared by age, cost, what you get and how to start, so Florida families know which program to call first.5 min read
- Compare optionsFlorida VPK for Autistic Children: School-Year, Summer and Specialized OptionsFlorida VPK options for autistic 4-year-olds compared: school-year, summer, public school and specialized VPK for ABA, plus the one-program rule.6 min read
- Compare optionsFrom Specialized VPK to FES-UA: The Seat-Cap-Exempt PathwayHow Florida children who used VPK Specialized Instructional Services and have a current IEP are exempt from the FES-UA seat cap the next year.6 min read
- Compare optionsIs Early Steps Really Free? Insurance Billing and 'No Family Fees' ExplainedEarly Steps charges no family fees, copays or deductibles, but bills insurance with consent. What consent changes and the few costs that can still apply.6 min read
- Compare optionsSpecialized VPK vs District ESE Pre-K: Choosing a Path at Age 4Compare Florida's VPK Specialized Instructional Services (parent-chosen ABA, IEP required) with district ESE pre-K, plus the one-program rule and FES-UA.6 min read
- Compare optionsThe Early Steps 45-Day Timeline: What Happens After You CallFlorida Early Steps timeline step by step: contact within 5 days, evaluation and IFSP within 45 calendar days, services within 30 days of consent.6 min read
Take the next step
Ready to move: steps, checklists and getting started.
- Take the next stepHow to Refer Your Child to Early Steps (No Doctor Needed)Refer your child to Florida Early Steps yourself: the 800 number and online form, what to have ready, a phone script, and the 5- and 45-day deadlines.5 min read
- Take the next stepHow to Request a Preschool Evaluation From Your Florida School District (Sample Letter)A sample letter to request a preschool evaluation in Florida, the district's 30-day response rule, the 60-calendar-day clock and FDLRS contacts.6 min read
- Take the next stepPreparing for Your IFSP Meeting: Questions, Goals and What to BringAn IFSP meeting prep sheet for Florida Early Steps families: what to bring, who to invite, questions to ask and how to line up private ABA goals.5 min read
- Take the next stepTurning 3: The Early Steps-to-School Transition ChecklistFlorida's Early Steps transition at age 3: the 9-month and 90-day dates, district notification, the IEP-by-birthday rule and summer birthdays.6 min read
- Take the next stepUsing Specialized VPK Funds for ABA: How to ApplyStep-by-step guide to using Florida VPK Specialized Instructional Services for ABA: the IEP rule, coalition forms, approved providers and funding caps.5 min read
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At Hope Center for Behavior Change our ABA programs are developed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and implemented by Registered Behavior Technicians.