Understanding that a child may require early intervention support can feel overwhelming for many parents. Early Steps offers a clear, compassionate, and structured roadmap to guide families through each step of the enrollment and developmental process. This pathway ensures that children receive timely, individualized care in environments where they feel safe and supported.
Table of Contents
Key Features of the Early Steps Enrollment Roadmap
Family-focused process centered on comfort and clarity
Timely assessments and evaluations conducted with care
Services delivered in natural environments, such as homes or playgrounds
Ongoing monitoring and support to ensure developmental progress
Smooth transitions as the child exits the program
Detailed Breakdown of the Early Steps Enrollment Process
Step
Description
Icon Symbolism
1. Referral Received
A child is referred to the Early Steps program by a parent, healthcare provider, or other source.
Purple baby icon
2. Intake Within 5 Days
The local Early Steps office conducts an initial intake within 5 days of receiving the referral.
Navy Early Steps logo and building icon
3. Service Coordinator Assigned
A service coordinator is appointed and contacts the family at least one day before the evaluation or assessment.
Coral hands holding a family icon
4. Evaluation and IFSP Creation
Within 45 days, an evaluation or assessment is completed, and an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed.
Green checklist and magnifying glass icon
5. Child Outcome Summary (COS) Initiated
Once the IFSP is finalized, the team conducts the entry COS to assess the child’s functioning in three developmental domains.
Turquoise baby climbing a chart icon
6. Services Begin in Natural Settings
Early intervention services begin within 30 days of completing the IFSP, delivered in the child’s everyday environments.
Purple house and playground icon
7. Biannual IFSP Review
The IFSP is reviewed at least every six months to monitor and ensure developmental growth.
Green calendar and magnifying glass icon
8. Program Exit and Final COS
When appropriate, the child transitions out of the program with tools for continued success, and an exit COS is completed.
Aqua award ribbon icon
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP): Core Component
Tailored goals and strategies based on the child’s strengths and developmental needs
Family participation in the planning and implementation process
Integration of services, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy if needed
Culturally sensitive and inclusive practices
Three Developmental Areas Evaluated During COS
Area
Skills Evaluated
Visual Indicator
Positive Social-Emotional Skills
Interaction with peers and adults, emotional expression, and relationship-building
Parents with children holding balloons and a ball
Knowledge and Skill Acquisition
Early communication, cognitive skills, and literacy development
Baby speaking icon
Use of Appropriate Behaviors
Functional tasks like feeding, dressing, and using motor skills for daily needs
ABC number blocks icon
Parent and Family Role in the Process
Active involvement in decision-making during each stage
Access to trained coordinators for guidance and information
Regular feedback and updates on the child’s progress
Support during transitions, such as moving to preschool or other programs
What Sets Early Steps Apart
Feature
Explanation
Timely Response
The commitment to responding within five days ensures that families aren’t left waiting.
Home-Based Services
Providing interventions in familiar environments helps children feel comfortable and more receptive to learning.
Family Empowerment
Parents are not just informed but empowered to make meaningful contributions to their child’s growth plan.
Data-Driven Evaluations
Entry and exit COS tools help measure progress with precision across key developmental areas.
Ongoing Monitoring
Reviews every six months ensure that the child’s evolving needs are continually met.
Visual and Emotional Support Throughout the Journey
Icons and colors are used throughout the process to make it visually accessible and less intimidating for families
Friendly imagery, such as babies playing and families interacting, helps humanize the process
Gentle onboarding steps reduce parental anxiety and build trust in the program
Service Settings for Early Intervention
Setting
Examples of Activities
Benefit
Home
Learning blocks, speech exercises, and play-based motor activities
Comfort and convenience
Community Centers
Peer interaction, group learning, music therapy
Social engagement
Parks/Playgrounds
Gross motor play, sensory exploration
Natural integration of motor skills
Childcare Centers
Collaborative learning with other children
Skill generalization in group settings
Outcome Tracking and Readiness for Next Steps
Exit COS allows professionals and families to evaluate how far the child has progressed
Transition planning includes strategies, referrals, and activities for ongoing developmental success
Parental support continues even after the child exits the program to ensure long-term impact
Final Thoughts
Early Steps offers a compassionate and structured pathway that supports both children and families through every phase of early intervention. From the moment of referral to the transition beyond the program, each step is designed to provide clarity, comfort, and developmental progress. A combination of expert coordination, family engagement, and personalized services makes Early Steps a strong foundation for a child’s brighter future.
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