Gulf Central Early Steps

08/19/2025

When it comes to your child’s growth and development, you’re not alone
Florida’s Early Steps program is here to help. We work closely with your family to provide early intervention services where your child lives, learns and plays.

Early Steps supports families and gives parents the confidence to advocate for their child. We understand that each child is unique, which is why we build on their individual strengths to form a plan that evolves as your child grows and develops.

Learn about Early Steps and early intervention services for children with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions.

08/05/2025

📢 New Temporary Online Referral Option Available

While we await a resolution with our usual online referral system, the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Central & Southwest Florida Early Steps has created a HIPAA-compliant online referral link to ensure families and community partners can continue making referrals quickly and conveniently.

🌐 To make a referral:
Visit our website ➡️ https://hpcswf.com/programs/early-steps
Click "Referral Form" to submit a referral for a child between birth and their third birthday residing in:
📍 Manatee
📍 Sarasota
📍 Charlotte
📍 Lee
📍 Collier
📍 Highlands
📍 Hardee
📍 DeSoto
📍 Hendry
📍 Glades

Once our usual online referral platform is restored, we will update the link on our website so the process remains seamless for families and community partners.

💙 Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work to keep services accessible for the children and families in our community!

The Florida Early Intervention System, through collaborative community partnerships and investments, ensures that infants and toddlers with special needs and their families achieve their full potential.

08/01/2025

Family Event!

07/11/2025

Know Your Rights with Gulf Central Early Steps! 🏡👶
Did you know that as a parent, you have important rights when it comes to your child’s early intervention services? 🌟
📢 Learn More About Your Rights:
📌 Florida Early Steps: Your Rights https://floridaearlysteps.com/your-rights/
📌 IDEA Part C Federal Regulations: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/c
🎥 Watch this video to learn more!
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCZHlkRzSko&feature=youtu.be
🔍 Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you're concerned about your child’s development, Gulf Central Early Steps is here to help!
Make a referral today!
📞 Call: 941-487-5400

07/07/2025

Milestone Monday
🌟 Is your little one reaching their milestones? 🌟

Parents often wonder what to expect when it comes to their child’s development

Babies and toddlers grow and develop at their own pace, but there are certain activities – such as smiling for the first time, standing and taking their first steps – that your child should be able to do once they reach specific ages. These skills are called developmental milestones. If you’re worried your child is not developing these skills on time, Early Steps can help.
https://floridaearlysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ES_MilestoneDevelopmentGuide_English_sm.pdf

Florida’s Early Steps Program provides early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 36-months, with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions. Children can be referred to Early Steps in various ways. Referrals can be submitted by anyone involved in the care of the child, including parents/caregivers and physicians. To be enrolled in Early Steps, your child must first be found eligible.

Make a referral today!
🔗 Online: https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/
📞 Call: 941-487-5400

Because every milestone matters! 💕

05/30/2025

🌟 Every Child Grows in Their Own Way 🌟
Just like no two flowers bloom the same 🌼🌸—every child is unique and develops at their own pace. If you ever find yourself wondering, “Is this typical?” — you’re not alone.
At Gulf Central Early Steps, we’re here to support families with little ones (ages birth to the day before their 3rd birthday) who need a helping hand meeting their milestones.
💬 Trust your instincts.
👣 Take that first early step.
💙 We’re here with guidance, support, and services that come to YOU.
📲 Make a referral today:
🌐 https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/
📞 Call us at 941-487-5400
Let’s grow together — One Early Step at a Time.

05/22/2025

MCR invites you to their 3rd Annual Arts and Health Fair. Come and participate!

05/12/2025

Milestone Monday
🌟 Is your little one reaching their milestones? 🌟
Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you're concerned about your child’s development, Gulf Central Early Steps is here to help! 💙
✅ No out-of-pocket cost to the family for early intervention services for eligible children (birth to 36 months)
✅ Expert support to help your child develop and thrive
✅ The earlier we start, the better the outcomes!

📖 Want to check where your child should be? View the Developmental Milestones Guide here:
🔗https://floridaearlysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ES_MilestoneDevelopmentGuide_English_sm.pdf

📲 Make a referral today!
🔗 Online: https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/
📞 Call: 941-487-5400
Because every milestone matters! 💕

05/07/2025

🌟 🌟
Every achievement—big or small—is worth celebrating! Whether it’s a child's first words, first steps, or a new milestone, we want to hear about it! 🎉
💬 Parents & caregivers: Share a moment that made you proud!
👏 Early Steps staff: Highlight a success story or a teammate who’s making a difference!
Drop your photos, videos, or stories in the comments and let’s celebrate the amazing progress happening every day! 💙✨

Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you're concerned about your child’s development, Gulf Central Early Steps is here to help! 💙
✅ Early intervention services for eligible children (birth to 36 months) are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to families—regardless of income or insurance
✅ Expert support to help your child develop and thrive
✅ The earlier we start, the better the outcomes!
📲 Make a referral today!
🔗 Online: https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/
📞 Call: 941-487-5400

04/29/2025

YMCA Invites You To This Great Event .