Because all babies and toddlers are different, they rarely do the same thing at exactly the same age. As a result, it is not unusual for families to have questions or concerns about their child's development. You may wonder...
It's important to keep in mind that all children develop differently and at their own pace; however if your concerns about your child's development persist, call your health care provider, community health clinic or Public Health Nurse to inquire about an evaluation for your child. Each state has an early intervention program serving eligible families with children from birth to their third birthday. In California this program is called Early Start. California also has a Prevention Program for some families whose children are not eligible for Early Start, but meet the Prevention Program eligibility requirements.
Early Start-eligible children include infants or toddlers if there is a significant delay in one or more areas of development, if he has an established risk condition or significant developmental disability. The eligibility criteria become higher at age 24 months, so if there are concerns before 24 months, it is a good idea to make the referral call before the second birthday. (Information about how to make a referral is below.)
Prevention Program-eligible children include some children whose development in one or more areas fall outside of the typically developing range, but do not meet the criteria for the Early Start program. (Information about how to make referrals is below.)
Call 1-800-404-5900.
The intake and evaluation process is the same for both programs. Leave your name and phone number on the voicemail and they will call you back as soon as possible or, if the concern is just speech and language development, send you a packet of forms. Parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, preschool and daycare providers, etc. may make referrals.
Early Intervention is a system of coordinated services that promotes the child's growth and development and that supports families during the critical early years.
Who May Participate in Early Intervention? Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be eligible for and benefit from early Intervention services if one of the following factors is present... Significant developmental delay in one or more of these areas:
Established risk conditions of known etiology or those conditions expected to result in significant developmental problems such as:
Why Participate in Early Intervention? Research shows that participation in family-centered, early intervention services during the first three years of life can have significant effects on the cognitive development and social adjustment of low birthweight, premature children and on the overall development of young children with disabilities. Early intervention services delivered within the context of the family can:
When? You know your child's abilities, personality and frustrations. Yet, you may not have the information or expertise you need to effectively assist your child's growth and development. By working closely with families, early intervention professionals and family resource center staff can help parents address their concerns, identify needs and resources to address those needs, and set a course of action. If you are concerned about your child's development, the first step is to have your child referred for an assessment. You can refer your child directly to the early intervention program in your county, or you can have your child's physician or another professional make the referral for you.
Call Parents Helping Parents! We are here to listen, to provide support and information, to answer your questions. As part of our service to families with children with special needs, PHP serves as the Family Resource Center for Santa Clara County families in Early Start or Prevention Program. Feel free to call us at any time - when you first have concerns, when you are in the referral/ intake/evaluation process, when your child is starting the program, whenever you wish.
Parents Helping Parents early intervention information and support (408) 727-5775. We have staff who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and other languages. PHP provides support, information, and referrals to parents and caregivers. PHP Staff understand the needs of parents in this confusing and often overwhelming process of evaluation and determination of early intervention eligibility. If we can be of assistance to you please call or email info@php.com. PHP programs and services include:
For referral to Early Start in other California counties: The State of California Early Start Program toll-free referral line will provide you with the correct phone number for your county. They can also provide you with the number of the Family Resource Center in your area. 1-800-515-BABY (1-800-515-2229)
To find the Early Intervention Program in other states, visit the NICHCY website and look under State Resources for your state.
What agencies provide Early Intervention? The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the lead agency for California's Early Start program and the Prevention Program. Look on the DDS website under "Birth to 36 Months" for more information about these programs. The DDS website also has information about Early Start, including:
San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) is a community-based California state funded program designed to serve persons with developmental disabilities, including children and families who are eligible for the Early Start program, the state early intervention program for children 0-3 (36 months). It is a private, non-profit corporation under contract for provision of services through the California Department of Developmental Services. SARC serves Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. Some Early Start services are provided under SARC through vendored private programs.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) website includes district and school information for Santa Clara County, a link to DataQuest (California Department of Education School Data, and legislative updates. In Santa Clara County San Andreas Regional Center has contracted with SCCOE to provide Early Start intake and evaluation. SCCOE also provides services to some Early Start families.
