Early Start (Birth to 3 Years)

The Early Start Program provides services and supports to infants and toddlers, birth to 36 months, and their families. The Early Start Program is coordinated in California by regional centers and public-school districts. Early Start eligibility criteria is defined by Section 95014 of the California Government Code as at least one of the following:

1. Have a developmental delay of at least 25% in one or more areas of either:
   • Cognitive
   • Expressive Communication
   • Receptive Communication
   • Social Emotional
   • Adaptive
   • Physical and motor development including vision and hearing
2. Have an established risk condition of known etiology, with a high probability of delayed development; or
3. Be considered at risk of having a substantial development disability due to a combination of biomedical risk factors

If an infant or toddler has, or is suspected of having, a delay or disability, please contact North Los Angeles County Regional Center or your local Regional Center about possible Early Start services or call 1-800 515-BABY. Anyone can make a referral.

Resources

Early Start is California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) oversees this program, providing support and resources to families.

• The Compilation of Early Start Statutes (laws) & Regulations (rules/interpretation of law) can be found here:  Compilation of Early Start Statutes & Regulations

CDC Resources

The CDC is the leading US organization that uses science and data to protect public health. They work to keep kids healthy, help families and communities fight disease, and protect everyone’s health.

DDS FY2025-26 FAMILY OUTCOMES SURVEY

Are you a parent of caregiver who received an Early Start Family Outcomes Survey?

When completed, make sure to:

• Return all pages of the survey, or
• Write your address on the page you mail back.

Early Start Family Outcomes Survey Flyer

Surveys are due by Friday, October 30th

Early Start Transition to Preschool

After age three, eligibility for ongoing regional center services is defined by the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, for individuals with a substantially handicapping developmental disability. Eligibility for special education services is defined by the Education Code and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), Part B. Continued regional center services after age 3 will be based upon the regional center’s eligibility criteria and your child’s evaluation findings.

Transition from Early Intervention to Preschool Program Workshops