Background
Each year, California’s Early Start program asks participating families to answer a few questions about the services they received during the prior year. These questions are called the Family Outcomes Survey (FOS). Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states receiving Part C funds are required to anonymously report the percentage of families participating in Early Start who indicate that early intervention services have helped their families to:
- Know their rights
- Effectively communicate their child’s needs
- Help their child develop and learn
If you have received a letter requesting that you complete the survey, please respond! Your feedback about the services you receive is very important and will help shape how services are provided in the future.
If you didn’t receive a letter but would like to share your experience with Early Start, you can access survey link here: Family Outcomes Survey. Please enter your child’s date of birth, zip code, ethnicity, and Unique Client Identifier (UCI) at the top of the form. If you are unsure of your child’s UCI, please reach out to your service coordinator.
If you have any questions, please see the FAQ section below, or if you need help completing the survey, please call 800-515-BABY (800-515-2229) or email earlystart@dds.ca.gov.
Mission
To measure the impact of Early Start services on families of infants and toddlers with disabilities, using families’ responses to support and guide program improvement.
Family Outcomes Survey Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Family Outcomes Survey Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last modified: July 24, 2026