Article

The 4Ws of Early Intervention: From Birth to Kindergarten

Published: Aug. 20, 2021Updated: Aug. 9, 2025

Early intervention can make a huge positive impact on the lives and development of children with developmental delays and disabilities. Of course, figuring out how to determine and prioritize the best care — not to mention navigating wait lists and funding sources — can be difficult (if not sometimes downright frustrating). If you have questions about whether your child is eligible, what the evaluation process is like, or what age is the right age for a diagnosis, you’re not alone. We’ve gathered plenty of expert advice and useful information to help you through every step of this journey, so check out the table of contents below for our early intervention series.

WHO do you go to for help?

A great doctor and therapist can make all the difference in the world. Read our article detailing the different types of providers, physicians, and therapists you may encounter and what they provide. For some solid advice on how to assemble an effective care network, see our article How to Build a Care Team.

Care goal

Build my child's care team

9 steps

10 tasks

You rely on multiple providers for all your child's care needs. See our tips for working with these medical professionals and helping coordinate services.

WHAT is early intervention?

Here you’ll find a straightforward explanation of early intervention and how it can help your family — what services are involved, how they are funded, and who qualifies for them.

Public Benefits goal

Fund early intervention

5 steps

5 tasks

Learn what resources are available in California to fund early intervention therapies for children under 3 years old.

WHEN should you start?

Learn more about the timeline for early intervention, and hear from four therapists about the different types of therapies that make up the backbone of early intervention. We’ve also included some of the early milestones you can look out for in an infant’s first year.

Public Benefits goal

Apply to Regional Center Early Start

8 steps

7 tasks

Children under age 3 may be eligible for early intervention services from Regional Center. Learn what the qualifications are and how to apply for your child.

WHY (or not) is a diagnosis beneficial?

We spoke to experts about the benefits and potential pitfalls of pursuing an early diagnosis, and why putting into place the services a child needs is ultimately the most important goal in early intervention.

Care goal

Obtain a diagnosis for my child

7 steps

8 tasks

If you have concerns about your child's development, you may want to pursue a medical diagnosis to open doors for receiving services.

Contents

Overview

WHO do you go to for help?

WHAT is early intervention?

WHEN should you start?

WHY (or not) is a diagnosis beneficial?

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Undivided Editorial TeamStaff

Reviewed by

Adelina Sarkisyan, Undivided Writer and Editor
Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

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