Resources for Families, Parents & Caregivers

Early Start Information Packet

The Early Start Information packet is for parents and other caregivers of infants and toddlers who may have, or are known to have, developmental delays or disabilities. It contains general information about the Early Start program, how to apply for services, navigating the Early Start system, transition from Early Start to school, parents’ rights, contacts, and resources.

Early Start Information PacketPDF NEW

Family Outcomes Survey

The Family Outcomes Survey focuses on the helpfulness of early intervention. Your feedback is crucial so the department can learn about your experience and improve the Early Start program.

If you would like to share your experience with California’s Early Start program, please click on the link below to access a brief 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.

Family Outcomes Survey NEW

If you have any questions or if you need help completing the survey, please call 800 – 515 – BABY (800 – 515 – 2229) or earlystart@dds.ca.gov.

Early Start Newsletter

The Early Start Newsletter provides quarterly updates on Early Start events, resources, and other important material for families, regional centers, and service providers.

Black Maternal Health Week

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Video:

Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by social communication and interaction challenges, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. For more information go to Autism – CA Department of Developmental Services

Family Introduction to Early Start Brochure

An easy-to-read overview of the benefits of early intervention during the first three years of a child’s life, this brochure explains the steps to take if you have concerns about your child’s development as well as what services are available if your child is determined eligible for Early Start.

It can be ordered through the Publications Order Form at Early Start Neighborhood website. Digital versions may be downloaded; print versions may be ordered and shipped directly to the requester, free of charge.

Reasons for Concern Brochure

This resource presents information about risk factors, developmental milestones, and links to agencies that provide Early Start information, services, and supports for families of children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.

It can be ordered through the Publications Order Form at Early Start Neighborhood website. Digital versions may be downloaded; print versions may be ordered and shipped directly to the requester, free of charge.

Available in: English | Arabic |  Chinese | Hmong | Korean | Russian | Spanish | Tagalog | Traditional Chinese | Vietnamese  PDF

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Learn the Signs. Act Early.

For additional free downloadable resources please go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Learn the Signs. Act Early. website and choose from a variety of resources: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/freematerials.html#toolsfortrackingmilestones-2017

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

Early Start Neighborhood

The Early Start Neighborhood provides a virtual community for Early Start professionals, partners, parents and caregivers seeking information, resources, training, and technical assistance on early intervention, Part C requirements, implementation, and evidence-based practices.

Early Start Community Infographic

This resource is an illustration of Early Start agencies, within the context of other service systems. QR codes provide links to websites with information about Early Start and other community agencies that provide services to young children and their families throughout California.

It can be ordered through the Early Start Neighborhood website. Digital versions may be downloaded; print versions may be ordered and shipped directly to the requester, free of charge.

Available in: English | Arabic | Armenian | Chinese | Farsi | Hmong | Korean | Russian | Spanish | Tagalog | Vietnamese  PDF

Early Start Family Resource Center Brochure

Parent-to-parent support through Family Resource Centers and Networks is a critical component of Early Start in California. This brochure introduces the statewide network of family resource centers, which are staffed by parents of children with special needs who actively collaborate with local regional centers and local education agencies to help parents and families access early intervention services.

It can be ordered through the Early Start Neighborhood website. Digital versions may be downloaded; print versions may be ordered and shipped directly to the requester, free of charge.

Available in: English | Arabic | Korean | Simplified Chinese | Russian | Spanish | Tagalog | Traditional Chinese | Vietnamese  PDF

 


Share  

Last modified: June 18, 2025