The California Early Start Program provides services and supports for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. Getting support early can make an important difference to a child’s development.
Each year the U.S. Department of Education reviews how well states meet federal requirements for early intervention services. The results show where states are doing well and where they can do better.
For fiscal year 2024, the federal review found improvements in California’s:
- child outcomes,
- family outcomes data, and
- compliance indicators.
This progress follows three years of work by regional centers, local educational agencies, and Department staff. This work has focused on:
- improving how child outcomes are reported
- strengthening oversight
- addressing areas where the Early Start system needs to improve
California improved from a “Needs Intervention” rating to “Needs Assistance” rating. The state had received a “Needs Intervention” rating for the previous two years. We will continue to strengthen how Early Start data is reported and used, so services and supports keep getting better for children and families. The goal is simple: to support families so children across California can learn, grow and thrive!
Read the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report: Part C to learn more.