Birth to 36 months
EarlyStart (Infant Stimulation)
Early Start is California's early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth to 36 months) who have a developmental delay or are at established risk for one. At our Arcadia clinic, our pediatric therapists deliver Early Start services in partnership with families and your local Regional Center — so the most rapid period of brain growth your child will ever have is fully supported.
What is Early Start (Infant Stimulation)?
What is California's Early Start program?
Early Start is administered by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and provides early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers and their families. Services are family-centered, individualized, and delivered in your child's natural environment — including specialty clinics like Little Land Arcadia. Eligible families work with a Regional Center service coordinator to build an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that outlines the supports your child will receive.
Who is eligible?
Babies and toddlers under 36 months who have a developmental delay in cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, or motor development; an established risk condition (such as a genetic disorder, NICU history, or significant prenatal exposures); or who are at high risk of developing a delay. Eligibility is determined by your local Regional Center at no cost to families.
What does Early Start at Little Land look like?
Hands-on, evidence-based developmental support for babies — coached alongside you. A pediatric therapist works with you and your baby to encourage tummy time, head control, visual tracking, reaching, rolling, sitting, sensory tolerance, feeding, communication, and bonding — all in a calm, sensory-friendly setting designed for the youngest learners.
For an infant, play and learning are the same thing. A therapist supporting tummy time with a mirror is building neck strength. A song with hand motions is teaching cause-and-effect, attention, and bonding. Every activity is gentle, baby-led, and designed to fit into your daily routine — so the work continues between sessions.
Skills we work on
- Tummy time tolerance
- Head & neck control
- Visual tracking & focus
- Reaching, rolling, sitting
- Sensory tolerance
- Early communication
- Feeding & oral motor
- Parent–infant bonding
Signs to watch for
These don't diagnose anything — but if several feel familiar, an evaluation can give you clarity and a plan.
- •Baby strongly prefers one side or position
- •A flat spot on the head
- •Hates tummy time consistently past 3 months
- •Not reaching for toys by 5 months
- •Doesn't roll by 6 months or sit by 9 months
- •Trouble with bottle, breast, or transitioning to solids
- •NICU graduate or born premature with developmental concerns
- •Diagnosis of a genetic, neurological, or other established-risk condition
Who it helps
- Infants and toddlers (0–36 months) with developmental delays
- Babies with NICU history or born premature
- Children with established-risk conditions (genetic, neurological, prenatal exposures)
- Families wanting expert, hands-on guidance during the first three years
What a session looks like
- 1
Calm environment setup
We dim lights, lower noise, and follow your baby's cues to keep them regulated and ready to engage.
- 2
Hands-on coaching
Your therapist guides you through positions, handling, and play that target the goals on your IFSP.
- 3
Parent practice
You try the techniques yourself with coaching, so you can replicate them at home all week.
- 4
Plan for the week
We send home 2–3 simple activities that fit into diaper changes, feeds, tummy time, and bedtime.
Coordinated with your Regional Center
Our team partners with the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center and other CA Regional Centers to deliver IFSP-aligned services. Families typically pay nothing for Early Start services determined eligible through the Regional Center.
California only — for now
Early Start is a California Department of Developmental Services program, available at our Arcadia clinic. Families at our Texas locations should ask about Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) — the comparable Texas program — and we're happy to help connect you.
Helpful next reads
Plain-language guides for parents starting therapy.
Frequently asked
Where is Early Start offered?+
Early Start is currently offered only at our Arcadia, CA location. It is California's state-administered early intervention program (administered by the Department of Developmental Services) and is not available outside California. Texas families should ask about Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) instead.
How do I know if my child is eligible?+
Contact your local Regional Center for a free evaluation. In the San Gabriel Valley, that's the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center. We're happy to walk you through the referral process — just reach out.
Does it cost anything?+
Early Start services determined eligible through your Regional Center are typically provided at no cost to families. Some services may be billed to private insurance with no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Where can I learn more about California Early Start?+
Visit the California Department of Developmental Services Early Start page at dds.ca.gov/services/early-start for full program details, eligibility, and your local Regional Center.
Do I stay during the session?+
Always. You are the most important part — sessions are designed to coach you so the support continues all week.
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