Early Steps

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Our Early Steps program serves children ages birth through 3 who have significant delays or conditions that place them at risk for developmental delays. Our Emerald Coast Division serves families living in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties.

Through Early Steps, families and caregivers receive services to enhance their children's development so they are ready to learn when they enter school. We provide case management, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, early intervention instruction, special equipment and annual assessments, providing hope and help to children and their families.

Click here to view the latest edition of the Early Steps newsletter.

Information for Families: Click here to access an informative flyer entitled "The Early Steps Approach: An Overview for Families." This flyer answers four important questions:

            1. How does the parent education approach work?

            2. What are the benefits of the parent education approach?

            3. What is my role as a parent or caregiver?

            4. How long will my child receive Early Steps services?

Information for Families and Child Development Centers: Click here to access an informative flyer entitled "Teaching families to meet the developmental needs of their children." This flyer answers three important questions:

            1. What is Early Steps?

            2. How does the referral and enrollment process work?

            3. Are there any fees for Early Steps' services?

Information for Medical Doctors: Click here to access an informative flyer entitled "Referring Children Birth to 36 Months for free Developmental Evaluation." Click here for a Prescription Pad Referral Form and fax it to Early Steps at 850-747-5583.                                    

You may find the following resources and websites helpful as you begin or continue your journey with Early Steps:

Find community resources at www.centraldirectory.org
Learn about developmental milestones, immunization schedules and more at www.CDC.gov/LifeStages 
Learn about healthy development of infants and toddlers at www.zerotothree.org

Interested in learning more? Contact the Early Steps office near you:
(850) 747-5411 or toll free (866) 696-8765 for Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties

(850) 921-0330 for Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties

Early Steps Wish List: 

-Diapers of any size for preemies, infants and toddlers

-Baby Builders books/DVD sets ($30 per unit) These programs help families develop a baby’s strength, coordination, balance and movement

-It Takes Two to Talk ($119.99 per unit) This helps children’s communication and language development

- Car seats

- Hip Helpers ($18 each) These help children with low muscle tone

- Weighted Vests ($50 each) These provide compression (a feeling like a hug)  which tends to calm and focus overstimulated children as well as children with sensory processing disorder and autism.

- Z vibes with specialty tips ($75 each set) These help with oral motor stimulation.

- Light boxes ($180 each from American Printing House for the Blind) These are used by the orientation and mobility specialist for children with visual impairments to stimulate colors and shapes.

- Tristander ($2,300 from Tumbleform) This helps the child stand.
 

If you prefer to contribute financially to the Early Steps program, you can do so now! Just mention your donation is for the Emerald Coast Early Steps program and your contribution will help children immediately!