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EarlySteps
EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers from birth through age 3 (35 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 between the ages of birth and 3 (35 months).
Information for Providers
- Early Steps IDEA Part C Grant Award Notification FFY 2025-26
- LA Part C SPP/APR FFY 2023-2024
- SSIP Theory of Action
- SSIP Evaluation Plan
- EarlySteps Policy
- Local APR Reporting
- Part C Regulations
If you are currently a provider or interested in becoming an EarlySteps provider, please see our provider page to learn more.
Information for Parents
If you are a parent and would like more information on EarlySteps services and additional resources for your child and family, or to learn more about what is available in your area, please visit our parents' corner.
The EarlySteps Process
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.
Resources
Valarie Laday, Program Manager/Support Coordination
Phone: 225-342-5715
Email: Valarie.Laday@la.gov
April Hearron, Program Manager/Data Billing & Claims
Phone: 318-741-7437
Email: April.Hearron@la.gov
Region 1
Cashondra Charles
Phone: 504-554-0139
Email: cashondra.charles@la.gov
Parishes: Orleans, Plaquemine, St. Bernard
Region 4
Patrick Juneau
Phone: 337-488-0749
Email: Patrick.Juneau@la.gov
Parishes: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion
Region 7
Ciera Dunn
Phone: 318-680-3286
Email: ciera.dunn@la.gov
Parishes: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster
Region 10
Cashondra Charles
Regional Coordinator
Phone: 504-554-0139
Email: cashondra.charles@la.gov
Parish: Jefferson
Region 2
Patrick Juneau
Phone: 337-488-0749
Email: patrick.juneau@la.gov
Parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana
Region 5
Patrick Juneau
Phone: 337-488-0749
Email: Patrick.Juneau@la.gov
Parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis
Region 8
Ciera Dunn
Phone: 318-680-3286
Email: Ciera.Dunn@la.gov
Parishes: East Carroll, Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Quachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll
Region 3
Cashondra Charles
Phone: 504-554-0139
Email: Cashondra.Charles@la.gov
Parishes: Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne
Region 6
Penny Thibodeaux
Phone: 318-541-6164
Email: Penny.Thibodeaux@la.gov
Parishes: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn
Region 9
Penny Thibodeaux
Phone: 318-541-6164
Email: penny.thibodeaux@la.gov
Parishes: Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington
Provider Relations Team
Monica Dowden
Provider Specialist
Phone: 337-278-3411
Email:Monica.Dowden@la.gov
Vacant
Professional Development Coordinator
Quality Assurance Team
Email: EarlyStepsQA@la.gov
Jennifer Johnson
QA Specialist
Phone: 504-451-0938
Email: Jennifer.Johnson1@la.gov
Tomorow Fondal
QA Specialist
Phone: 504-451-6064
Email: Tomorow.Fondal@la.gov
Alexandra Johnson
QA Specialist
Phone: 318-741-7393
Email: Alexandra.Johnson@la.gov