USF Bay Area Early Steps Program

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

11/26/2025

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Bay Area Early Steps! 🦃

We are grateful for our incredible families, dedicated team members, and supportive community who make our program possible. Wishing you a day filled with joy, connection, and gratitude.

11/24/2025

Make Thanksgiving special by getting your kids involved with fun activities for your little ones!

Here's a list of activities to do together as a family during the Thanksgiving holiday: https://pathways.org/thanksgiving-activities-at-home?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=general&utm_content=article

Thanksgiving is when we gather around the table, express our gratitude, and eat a great meal. 🦃

Create Thanksgiving memories at home with fun family activities like cooking, crafting, and playing together, and encourage gratitude by giving back and connecting with loved ones near or far.

11/21/2025

The DOCS Parenting Programs provide caregivers of children birth-5th grade with effective strategies to promote child development and social interactions.

Sign up for their January sessions now!

11/19/2025

🌟 Join Our Team as an Early Intervention Provider!

Bay Area Early Steps is looking for passionate professionals to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families.

✅ Help children reach their full potential

✅ Work with a supportive, dedicated team

✅ Make an impact in your community

Interested? Email BAESProviderLiaison@usf.edu to learn more and start your journey today!

11/13/2025

Feeding Tampa Bay will host a food distribution event next week in the Tampa Bay area to support families in need. Additionally, here is a list of restaurants offering free meals to children while SNAP benefits are temporarily on hold.

https://cfctb.org/tampa-bay-restaurants-offering-free-kids-meals-to-families-in-need/?bbeml=tp-VrRztY9XVkSmo9XjmVQiCA.jL3Rri88xHU6Jb6m10dAFEA.rtpxj7THA_kGG_h0TCsGixQ.lS0ERaO42fE6C4L3Wpt6OlQ