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. The University of South Florida Bay Area Early Steps Program holds the Children’s Medical Services Early Steps contract for the Bay Area, which covers Hillsborough and Polk Counties.

Each child grows at an individual pace, but research shows that a child's first three years are the most important for learning. Getting help early puts a child on the right path to learn and develop at their full potential. Early Intervention is provided to support families and caregivers in developing the competence and confidence to help their child learn and develop.

More information about the program can be found on our state website.