Early Start refers to therapy and support services for children from birth through age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities, or who are at risk of falling behind. The early years of a child’s life are a critical window for development, and research consistently shows that starting therapy as early as possible leads to better long-term outcomes.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, it is always worth reaching out. Getting an evaluation early is not an overreaction — it is one of the most important things you can do for your child.
We provide occupational therapy and speech and language therapy for children from birth through age 5 right at our clinic. For children ages 0 to 3, services are available through California’s Early Start program. For children ages 3 to 5 who qualify for continued Regional Center services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, we are vendored to continue providing therapy support through that transition.
We are vendored with both the:
If your child qualifies for Regional Center services, you can request Whole Child Therapy as your service provider. Contact your service coordinator to get started, or reach out to us and we will help you navigate the process.
The Regional Center may also be able to help with costs. Depending on your child’s Individual Program Plan, your Regional Center may be able to assist with insurance copayments for therapy services. Families participating in the Self-Determination Program may have additional flexibility in choosing and funding services. See the frequently asked questions below for more information on both.
Children from birth through age 3 who have a developmental delay, disability, or established risk condition may qualify for services through the Regional Center. The best first step is to contact your regional center directly to request an evaluation, or speak with your child’s pediatrician. You are also welcome to contact us and we can help point you in the right direction.
Not necessarily. Children who show signs of developmental delay may qualify for services even without a formal diagnosis. An evaluation through the Regional Center will help determine eligibility.
Sessions for very young children are play-based and family-centered. Parents and caregivers are actively involved throughout, and our therapists will coach you on how to support your child’s development during everyday activities at home.
Yes. While Regional Centers generally prefer services to be delivered in the home as it is considered the child’s natural environment, in-clinic services are an approved option when they are the right fit for the child. Our clinic is our primary setting for Early Start services, and many families find it works well for their child and their schedule.
The clinic offers a few advantages worth considering: access to specialized therapy equipment and a wider range of materials, a structured environment designed specifically for play-based work, and dedicated space free from the distractions that can sometimes make home-based sessions harder for young children to focus. If you have questions about whether the clinic setting makes sense for your child, we are happy to talk it through with you and your service coordinator.
We are vendored with both the San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC) and the Inland Regional Center (IRC). If your child receives services through either of these Regional Centers, you can request Whole Child Therapy as your provider.
Learn what to expect when you start services at Whole Child Therapy, from your first call to your child’s first session.
