EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers aged birth to three years (36 months) who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays. Children with delays in cognitive, motor, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional or adaptive development may be eligible for services. EarlySteps services are designed to improve the family’s capacity to enhance their child’s development. These services are provided in the child’s natural environment, such as the child’s home, child care or any other community setting typical for children aged birth to 3 years (36 months). The EarlySteps program provides services including:
- Assistive technology
- Audiology
- Nutrition Services
- Occupational Therapy Services
- Physical Therapy Services
- Psychological Services
- Service Coordination
- Social Work Services
- Special Instruction
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Translation Interpreter Services (foreign language and sign language)
- Vision Services
EarlySteps services are provided through the support of several funds including Medicaid.
If you are a parent and would like more information on EarlySteps services and additional resources for your child and family, to learn more about what is available in your area, you can visit the Early Steps Parent’s Corner on this webpage: http://www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/215
Anyone can make an EarlySteps referral. Children can be referred to EarlySteps by contacting the System Point of Entry (SPOE) in their region. Once the SPOE receives the referral, the family will be contacted to begin the eligibility determination process. If you would like more information, fill out the Contact Us Form on this website.