How to Access Early Start Intervention Services for Your Toddler in California

Understanding Early Start: A Parent’s Guide

If you’re a parent concerned that your toddler might be missing key developmental milestones, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. California’s Early Start Intervention Program is a free, state-funded service designed to support infants and toddlers under age 3 who are experiencing—or are at risk for—developmental delays or disabilities. Whether it’s a delay in speech, mobility, social skills, or cognitive development, Early Start aims to identify needs early and provide appropriate support as soon as possible.

These services are available to families across California, regardless of income or immigration status. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children by addressing challenges during a critical period of brain development.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to recognize early signs, navigate the referral and evaluation process, and understand what support is available, even if your child doesn’t qualify right away. With the right tools and information, you can feel confident taking the next step in supporting your child’s growth.

What Is California’s Early Start Program?

The California Early Start Program is administered by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and delivered locally through a network of Regional Centers and Family Resource Centers.

These agencies work closely with families to coordinate and provide individualized services tailored to each child's unique developmental needs. The program offers a wide range of early intervention services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral support, and developmental assessments.

Services are provided in natural environments such as the child’s home or daycare whenever possible. Importantly, all of these services are offered at no cost to families, regardless of income or insurance status, making support more accessible to those who need it most. This collaborative, family-centered approach is designed to help children reach their full developmental potential during the most critical early years of life.

Who Can Qualify?

A child may be eligible if they are:

Under 36 months old
Diagnosed with a developmental delay of at least 33%
Diagnosed with a high-risk medical condition that may lead to a delay

This includes delays in areas like speech and language development, mobility and motor skills, social interaction, or cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and learning. These delays may be subtle at first—like limited eye contact, difficulty with transitions, or not meeting milestones like walking or talking on time—but they can have lasting effects if not addressed early.

If you're unsure whether your child meets the criteria, visiting a trusted community organization like Families United can help you get started with personalized resources, referrals, and guidance. Their knowledgeable team can support you through the initial steps of the Early Start process and connect you with local services that best fit your child’s needs.

Common Signs of Developmental Delays in Toddlers

Every child grows at their own pace—but if your instincts are telling you something’s off, it’s worth paying attention. While not every concern points to a serious issue, here are some signs that may indicate the need for an evaluation:

Not making eye contact or responding to their name by 12 months
Limited babbling or no words by 18 months
Trouble walking or sitting up independently by age 2
Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as holding a spoon or stacking blocks
Lack of interest in people, play, or surroundings

If you notice any of these behaviors, your pediatrician can offer guidance and help you decide if a referral is necessary.

How to Refer Your Child to Early Start in California

There’s no need to wait for a doctor’s referral—parents, caregivers, and even childcare providers can make a direct referral to California’s Early Start Program at any time. Taking this step early can speed up the evaluation process and ensure that your child receives support as soon as possible. Referrals can typically be made by contacting your local Regional Center, filling out an online referral form, or calling the Department of Developmental Services directly for assistance.

Step 1: Contact Your Local Regional Center

You can look up your local Regional Center. Call or email and request an Early Start intake. Be ready to share:

Your child’s name, birth date, and basic health information
A description of the developmental concerns
Your contact information

You can also reach out to Families United’s contact team if you need help connecting with local resources or don’t know where to begin.

Step 2: Receive a Response Within 45 Days

Once your child is referred, your local Regional Center will contact you to begin the Early Start intake process, which includes gathering background information and scheduling an in-person or virtual evaluation. A team of professionals, such as developmental specialists, therapists, or psychologists, will assess your child across key developmental areas.

By law, the entire process, from referral to eligibility determination, must be completed within 45 calendar days, ensuring timely access to any needed support. If your child is found eligible, you’ll work with a team to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals.

What Happens During the Developmental Assessment?

This isn’t a test with right or wrong answers—it’s an opportunity to gain valuable insight into your child’s developmental strengths and challenges. The goal of the evaluation is not to label or diagnose but to better understand where your child may need extra support.

Professionals observe how your child communicates, moves, interacts, and processes information in age-appropriate ways. This information helps guide the next steps, whether that’s enrolling in Early Start services or simply monitoring progress over time with the support of community resources.

Evaluation Process

Conducted by a team of professionals (usually at your home or a local center)
Involves observing your child, asking questions, and sometimes using play-based assessments
Measures development in cognitive, communication, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive areas

If your child qualifies, the team will work with you to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)—a written plan outlining specific goals and services.

If Your Child Isn’t Eligible Yet

Sometimes, a child may not meet the official criteria for Early Start eligibility but still shows areas of concern that shouldn’t be overlooked. In these cases, families may still be offered developmental monitoring, referrals to community-based services, or support through a Family Resource Center.

These organizations can provide parent education, connections to local specialists, and guidance on tracking your child’s progress. It's also possible that a child who doesn't qualify now may become eligible later if new concerns arise, so staying engaged and informed is key.

In these cases:

You might be referred to Family Resource Centers for parent support, developmental playgroups, or educational materials.
Regular monitoring and follow-up evaluations may be recommended.
Private services (through your insurance) could be explored, especially if delays are mild.

Families United also offers educational workshops and resources that can help you advocate for your child, even outside formal early intervention systems.

How to Make the Most of Early Intervention Services

Once your child qualifies and receives an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), you’ll be assigned a Service Coordinator—a key partner in ensuring your child gets the right support at the right time.

This person helps you understand the services outlined in the IFSP, coordinates appointments, connects you with qualified providers, and acts as your main point of contact throughout your child’s time in the Early Start Program. The Service Coordinator also supports your family in setting goals, advocating for your child’s needs, and navigating any changes that may arise during the intervention period.

Here’s how to stay actively involved:

Ask questions: Stay informed about each service your child receives.
Track progress: Keep a simple log of your child’s milestones and challenges.
Collaborate: Work closely with therapists and teachers to reinforce learning at home.

Remember, early intervention isn’t just about your child—it’s about empowering you as a parent to guide their development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Start Services in California

Is Early Start really free?

Services are funded by the state and provided at no cost to families, regardless of income, immigration status, or insurance coverage. This ensures that all eligible children in California can access the support they need without financial barriers. The Early Start Program is grounded in the belief that early intervention can make a lasting difference, and removing cost as an obstacle helps families focus on their child’s development.

Whether your child needs speech therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized developmental support, these services are delivered in the home, in community settings, or through telehealth—whatever best suits your family’s needs and routines.

What if I’m not fluent in English?

Translation and interpreter services are available at every stage of the Early Start process to ensure that all families—regardless of their primary language—can participate fully and confidently. Whether you're reviewing evaluation results, attending IFSP meetings, or communicating with service providers, these supports are designed to remove language barriers and foster clear understanding.

California’s commitment to linguistic accessibility helps ensure that families from diverse backgrounds can make informed decisions and actively engage in their child’s early intervention journey.

Can I still refer my child if I’m not sure they have a delay?

Absolutely. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to start the process—just a concern about your child’s development is enough. Whether you’ve noticed delays in speech, movement, social interaction, or other developmental milestones, trust your instincts. The California Early Start Program encourages families to act early, as timely intervention can make a meaningful difference.

A simple observation, such as a lack of eye contact or limited babbling, can be reason enough to reach out and request a free evaluation. Early support is about giving children every opportunity to thrive—no referral or paperwork-heavy diagnosis required.

What’s Next? Your Action Plan

If you’ve read this far, chances are you have real questions about your toddler’s development. Here’s how to take the next step:

Observe: Make a list of behaviors or milestones you’re concerned about.
Reach out: Contact your local Regional Center or speak with your pediatrician.
Follow through: Engage fully with the evaluation process and ask for support when needed.

Still unsure where to begin? Families United's contact page offers a simple way to connect with advocates who can guide you through the process.

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Wait to Get Help

Trusting your instincts as a parent is powerful. If something doesn’t feel quite right about your child’s development—whether it’s in how they communicate, move, or connect with others—don’t brush it off or wait too long. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, and in California, support through the Early Start Program is just a call or click away.

Even if your child doesn’t qualify immediately, simply understanding what’s available and how to navigate the system can empower you to take the next best step. From free developmental evaluations to community-based resources and ongoing guidance, knowing where to turn makes all the difference. Your concern could be the first step in unlocking a path to meaningful support—not just for your child, but for your entire family.