Early Start

The Early Start program is California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or at risk for having a developmental disability and their families. Early Start services are administered by the state's 21 Regional Centers to ensure services to infants and toddlers and their families are provided in a coordinated, family-centered manner.

The first three years of every child’s life are critical. The California Department of Developmental Services and the Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention have free information for parents and professionals so they can learn more about early intervention and learn how to get help for babies and toddlers.

How a baby or toddler plays, learns, talks, acts, and moves give important clues as to how they are developing. If you have questions or concerns about whether your baby or toddler’s development is on track, call 1- 800-515-BABY to get connected with free resources near you.

For more information, please visit the following pages:

Early Start Information Packet

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), with input from stakeholders, has created two new standardized information packets for consumers and their families going through the intake process, or anyone who is interested in learning more about California’s regional center system.

The Early Start Information Packet(PDF, 3MB) provides resources on the following:

  • Part I: General Information
  • Part II: Applying to Early Start
  • Part III: Navigating Early Start
  • Part IV: From Early Start to School
  • Part V: Know Your Rights
  • Part VI: Know Your Resources

To view copies of the information packets in a variety of languages, formats, and modes of communication visit the DDS website.

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