CS for SB 7034 Summary

• Renames the "Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program" to the "Early Steps Program" and establishes it within the Department of Health as a required program administering federal Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

• Expands the Department of Health's information clearinghouse to comprehensively educate health care providers and parents about brain development, developmental disabilities, delays, and available services, using the term "unique abilities" when referring to children with disabilities.

• Requires the Early Steps Program to meet specific performance standards including family-centered services, individualized family support plans, quality services enabling optimal functional outcomes, and independent evaluation of results.

• Establishes detailed duties for the department and local program offices including competitive procurement of offices, eligibility criteria based on appropriations, 45-day evaluation timelines, individualized family support plan development, and mandatory coordination with Medicaid and school districts.

• Requires annual accountability reporting to the Governor, Legislature, and Florida Interagency Coordinating Council with performance metrics on infants and toddlers served, developmental improvements, and family outcomes; repeals five existing statutory sections related to the prior Children's Medical Services program structure.