USF Bay Area Early Steps Program

02/03/2026

We are looking for an Intake/Insurance Specialist to join Bay Area Early Steps at USF Health Pediatric Department!

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.

🌐Apply today at: jobs.usf.edu
🔍 Search Job #42554, Intake Specialist/Insurance Specialist- Early Steps
⭐️Join our team!

Please share with your network!

02/02/2026

✨ Bay Area Early Steps Retreat 2026 ✨

This past Friday, our team stepped away from the day‑to‑day to pause, recharge, and reconnect — and what an incredible day it was!
Our first retreat was designed to spark creativity, strengthen teamwork, and reinforce the strong foundation we continue to build together at Bay Area Early Steps. Throughout the day we explored Trauma Informed Care, Mindfulness, and the importance of self‑care.

And yes… we even made some new friends — cows! 🐮💛

A huge thank you to:
💡 Our amazing trainers, Jamie and Tejal from Effinity Training for guiding us with so much insight and compassion.
🏫 Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County for opening their space to us for the day.
💙 Our champions who organized, coordinated, and set everything up seamlessly.
🔥 Campfired Cafe for a delicious lunch.

It was a meaningful, refreshing, connection‑filled day — and we can’t wait to carry this inspiration forward into the work we do every day! 💫

01/26/2026

Cold weather shelters for today and tomorrow in Hillsborough County!

❗Cold weather shelters will be open Monday night, Jan. 26 and Tuesday night, Jan. 27❗
We are expecting temperatures to dip below 40 degrees and the cold weather shelters program will be activated to help the homeless and those who live in homes without adequate heat who are unable to find other accommodations.
⌚ All shelters will take in guests from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26 and 27, unless they reach capacity prior to that time.
For more details on shelters and motel vouchers for families, please visit ↪️ https://bit.ly/4qJRcP5

❗ Los refugios para clima frío estarán abiertos la noche del lunes 26 de enero y la noche del martes 27 de enero ❗
Se espera que las temperaturas bajen por debajo de los 40 grados y se activará el programa de refugios para clima frío para ayudar a las personas sin hogar y a quienes viven en viviendas sin calefacción adecuada y no pueden encontrar otro tipo de alojamiento.

⌚ Todos los refugios recibirán a los huéspedes de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. el lunes y martes, 26 y 27 de enero, a menos que alcancen su capacidad antes de ese horario.

Para más detalles sobre los refugios y los vales de motel para familias, por favor visite ↪️ https://bit.ly/4qJRcP5

01/15/2026

📢 Free Training for Providers!

Learn about Developmental Screening Using the ASQ-3 and effective communication strategies with parents and caregivers.

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Children’s Board of Hillsborough County
✅ No charge for providers in Hillsborough County!
👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/M5BqnggKA1HCoFek9

01/12/2026

Hillsborough County! FREE developmental screening happening at Layla's House this Friday! More information is below-

Join us on Friday, January 16, 2026, for no-cost developmental screenings with a trained child development specialist! Families who participate will enjoy free pizza 🍕and a book 📚 to spark early literacy magic.

This event is brought to you in partnership with Help Me Grow Hillsborough, as we work together to help children thrive.

Don’t miss out - call our office or click the link in our bio to book your spot today! 😊

01/05/2026

🌟 Happening This Month in Lakeland!
Looking for family-friendly activities, community support, and creative opportunities? Check out these events happening right here in our community:

📚 Books, Balls & Blocks – Free Developmental Screening Event
✨ By appointment only
🗓 Wednesday, January 21 | 10 AM–1 PM
📍 Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center
A perfect opportunity for parents of children ages 1 month to 8 years to connect with coordinators, receive personalized support, and learn more about developmental milestones.

❤️ Day of Caring at Florida Children’s Museum
🗓 January 10 | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a free, kid-focused day including:
✔ Free museum admission
✔ Live performances
✔ Community resource vendors & giveaways
✔ Hands-on activities and more!

🎨 Able Arts – Free Visual Arts Workshop
Designed for school-age children with disabilities
🗓 First 2026 Session: January 16 | 3:30–5 PM
📍 Florida Children’s Museum
Registration required (and opens 3 weeks before each workshop).

12/23/2025

More holiday fun with our Service Coordinators! 🎄🎁

12/22/2025

In honor of the holidays, our office will be closed from December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026.

During this time, we will still receive and process referrals. Click on the link in bio for more information about Early Steps or to send a referral.

Call us at 813-974-0602 for any further questions or if you need assistance!

En honor a las fiestas, nuestra oficina estaraa cerrada del 22 de diciembre de 2025 al 2 de enero de 2026.

Durante este tiempo seguiremosrecibiendo y procesando referencias. Haga clic en el enlace de la biografia para obtener mas informacion sobre Pasos Tempranos o para enviar una referencia.

Llamenis al 813-974-0602 si tiene mas preguntas o si mecesita ayuda!

12/18/2025

Did you know December is Safe Toys & Gifts Month? Are you looking for any last minute gifts for a child? Our friends at Tampa General Hospital share their expertise on safe toys!

Safe Toys & Gifts month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The goal is to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially during a time when gift-giving is common.

12/15/2025

✨ 10 Ways to Practice Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) This Holiday Season ✨

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Simple moments—connection, laughter, support, and presence can create lasting positive memories for children and build lifelong resilience.

12/12/2025

✨Holiday Cheer! ✨

Bay Area Early Steps Admin team and DOCS Parenting Programs are spreading joy with a holiday cookies & hot cocoa exchange party! 🍪☕️

We’re grateful for our staff, coworkers, families, and the community! Happy Holidays 🎄

12/01/2025

You’re invited to our Day of Play! 🎉

Join us for a morning full of fun, learning, and discovery at Jackson Springs Park! 🌳

🗓 When: December 6, 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Where: 8620 Jackson Springs Rd, Tampa, FL 33615

Play is more than fun, it’s how children learn, grow, and connect. 💡 Come experience hands-on activities that spark creativity and build important developmental skills.

🎟 Registration is required – save your spot today!
🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/day-of-play-december-2025-tickets-1660809167929?aff=oddtdtcreator