COVID-19 Emergency Alert! Outreach to Address the Decline in Referrals to Early Intervention Services
For your convenience, the contents of this page is available for download (PDF). Please distribute to families, child care providers and health care providers in an effort to identify children with developmental delays early!
A Message from California’s Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris about Free Early Start Services
The Early Start program, California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, has experienced a decline in referrals since the beginning of the State of Emergency. As you know, early intervention is critical for children to achieve the best possible developmental outcomes.
In an effort to increase public awareness and outreach, please distribute the resources below to support outreach to all early childhood service providers and families. Find downloadable pdfs in multiple languages at the DDS Early Start Publications and Outreach Materials under these two headings:
Early Start Community Resources Infographic
This flyer, for families who may have a concern about their child’s development, was developed by the ICC in collaboration with the Family Resource Center Network of California. Note the lower right customizable area for local referral agencies to add in and share their local contact information.
Healthcare Provider Brochure
An easy-to-read brochure that outlines the screening, referral and intake process.
If an infant or toddler has, or is suspected of having, a delay or disability, please contact the local regional center about possible Early Start services or call 1-800 515-BABY. Anyone can make a referral. For more information regarding Early Start services and referrals, please contact the Early Start BabyLine at 800–515–BABY (800 – 515 – 2229) or earlystart@dds.ca.gov, or visit the DDS Early Start Program website.
Visit CA MAP County Specific Resources for contact information for Regional Centers, Early Start Family Resource Centers and other local organization that support children with disabilities.
Visit the CA MAP Early Identification page for more resources to support families and child care providers in identifying developmental delays early.