What Are "Early Intervention" Services?

The first three years of a child's life are crucial for growth and development.  Infants and toddlers

who have or who may have a developmental delay or disability need special help to reach their full potential.

Early Intervention services and support in California are provided generally at no charge under a program called Early Start.  Early Intervention or Early Start services may be provided by your local school district or Alta California Regional Center and may include:

• Assistive technology
• Audiology (hearing) services
• Family training, counseling and home visits
• Some health services
• Medical services for diagnostic or evaluative purposes only
• Nursing
• Nutrition counseling
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Psychological services
• Respite
• Service coordination (case management)
• Social work services
• Speech and language services
• Transportation services
• Vision services
• Others as needed

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