early start resources
Check out our Early Start Brochure
Brochures are available in all threshold languages
Is your child reaching important developmental milestones?
Developmental milestones are key skills that children typically achieve as they grow, helping them explore the world through play, learning, speaking, acting, and movement. Tracking these milestones can provide valuable insight into your child’s development.
Other Resources
Click here to explore the milestones your child may reach from one month to 12 months of life.
Early Start Standardization Packet – THE DDS Early Start Packet with detailed information on getting started with CA Early Start.
Early Identification and Intervention Systems in CA (Full Report) and (Executive Summary) – the system of support needed to identify and address developmental and behavioral concerns and delays.
Advocacy
- The Parents’ Rights Booklet – https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Parents-Rights-booklet-2024_v6.pdf
- DDS Early Start Complaint Process – https://www.dds.ca.gov/general/appeals-complaints-comments/early-start-complaint-process/
California Children’s Services – https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs/Pages/default.aspx
Childcare Services (YMCA) – https://www.ymcasd.org/community-support/childcare-resource-service
Children’s Care Connection (RHC) – https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/childrens-care-connection-c3/
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
- American Society for Deaf Children – https://deafchildren.org/
- Early Start Education – LEAD-K Family Services – https://www.leadkfamilyservices.org/
- Langauge First – https://language1st.org/
- Language Development Milestones –https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ss/dh/sb210langmilestones.asp
Early Start Neighborhood – https://earlystartneighborhood.org/
FAQs for Parents & Providers already listed
Healthy Families America – https://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org/
Autism
- Autism Society San Diego https://www.autismsocietysandiego.org/
- Best Step Forward of Imperial County https://www.beststepforward.org/
Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral Palsy Guidance https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/
- United Cerebral Palsy https://ucp.org/resources/
Down Syndrome
- Down Syndrome Center at Rady Children’s https://downsyndromeaction.org/down_syndrome_center/
- Down Syndrome Action https://downsyndromeaction.org/ (619) 694-4615
- Down Syndrome Association of SD https://dsasdonline.org/ (619) 594-7389
Learn the Signs. Act Early
Milestones Related to Speech & Language (Stanford Medicine’s) – https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=age-appropriate-speech-and-language milestones-90-P02170
Special Needs Foundation Resource Guide- https://specialneedsresourcefoundationofsandiego.com/program/flourishing-families/
Special Education for Preschoolers
Transitioning out of Early Start: A Guide for Parents
Take a Minute…Relationships Matter – strengthen the bond and connection between you and your child.
More resources are available here.
Get started with CA Early Start services (ages 0-36 months).
SDRC Early Start Team at Esint@sdrc.org / 858-496-4318.
Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) at efrc@sdsu.edu / 619-594-7416.
For more information on Early Start services and referrals, please contact the Early Start Baby Line at earlystart@dds.ca.gov / 800-515-2229.
