Early Start: Speech & Language Therapy Overview

The California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) is committed to providing care, services, resources, and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. This includes children. In particular, infants and toddlers between the ages of 0-3 can receive a range of services through the Early Start Program. One such program is Early Start Speech & Language Therapy.

What to Expect

Early Start Speech & Language Therapy focuses on helping young children develop critical communication skills during their earliest years of growth. These services are individualized and aim to help very young children gain key developmental skills. This includes improving a child’s ability to understand language, begin learning how to express themselves with sounds, or teaching toddlers how to use nonverbal communication like gestures. Therapists may also support feeding and oral-motor development, as these areas are also linked to communication and speech.

How to Access Early Start Speech & Language Therapy

As with everything else in the DDS, Early Start Speech & Language Therapy services are administered through regional centers. To get your child started, begin by applying at your local regional center. After your child’s intake interview, the regional center will make an eligibility determination. If your child is eligible, your care coordinator will help you create an Individualized Family Service Plan (“IFSP”) for your child. This is your child’s personalized care plan. With you and your child’s IFSP in place, your child can begin receiving services, including Early Start Speech & Language Therapy.

Speech and language therapists often work with children in the family home. Alternatively, another familiar space may be used. To provide additional teaching and support, therapists often coach families on strategies to encourage communication through daily activities.

Early intervention is especially important for speech and language. Acting early in your child’s life can improve long-term outcomes in learning, social development, and independence.