From first evaluations to first IEP meetings, the early years bring a lot of new experiences — and questions. If you’re unsure where to start or what support your child may qualify for, we’ve mapped out the key milestones and services from birth through kindergarten.
Early intervention
What is early intervention?
Not sure where to start with early intervention? From OT and PT to California’s Early Start program, learn how these services work — and which funding sources (Regional Centers, insurance, and more) can help cover the cost.
When should you start?
Not sure when to start OT, PT, or behavioral and speech therapy? Here’s why earlier is often better, and how to spot those early milestones.
Why is an early diagnosis beneficial?
Should you pursue a diagnosis or focus on getting support in place now? Here’s what experts say about timing, services, and how early intervention makes a difference.
Why is diagnosis beneficial for all ages?
Diagnosis or services first? Here’s what experts say about timing, services, and how early intervention makes a difference. And is it ever “too late” to get a diagnosis? No! Children, teens, and even adults are diagnosed every day. Check out our brand-new article about the importance of diagnosis at ANY age, from kids to teens.
Who do we go to for help?
Not sure which specialists can best support your kiddo? We break down how providers like developmental pediatricians can help — and why building a trusted care team (including yourself!) matters.
Preparing for preschool
How do we choose a preschool and prepare for that first IEP?
Preschool is a big milestone, and so is that first IEP. Learn more about what to look for in a preschool, what questions to ask, and how to start building your child’s first IEP with your school team.
What is inclusion (and what does it really look like in preschool)?
Including kids with disabilities in “mainstream” preschool? YES! We break down what meaningful inclusion looks like, what questions to ask schools, and how to advocate for the experience your child deserves.
Inclusive early education options
Every child deserves access to an inclusive start. Start by learning what meaningful inclusion looks like. Then for California parents, dive into California’s early intervention and early education options from birth through age five, including preschool and transitional kindergarten.
Preschool IEPs: accommodations and IEP goals
From classroom and seating adjustments to behavioral, health, and low-incidence supports, preschool IEPs start your kiddo off on the right foot. Explore our list of sample preschool accommodations (Undivided members can grab our printable version to bring to the IEP meeting). Then, learn what good preschool IEP goals look like, whether they’re academic, behavioral, functional, social, or communication-based.
Numbers to note: 4
Did you know that all school districts in California must now make transitional kindergarten (TK) available to all children who will have their 4th birthday by or on September 1 of the school year? Or that schools cannot use not being toilet trained as a reason to exclude a child from general education? Read our list of the 10 things that have changed in early childhood education in recent years!
Dive deeper
For California parents:
- My child is turning three — how do I navigate the the transition from early intervention to preschool?
- Can Regional Center help my child get early intervention services?
- Is my child too young for IHSS? 5 steps to get IHSS for qualified kids under 5.
- Should we get early intervention services at home or in a clinic?
Office hours →Wednesday August 5, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT
New to the Undivided platform or wondering how to make the most of your account? Join us for a live Q&A with Navigator Jen, who can answer questions about all the features of the Undivided platform like step-by-step guides, IEP Assistant, smart reminders, and more. Office hours are open to Undivided members only, so if you’re not a member yet, sign up here to participate.
Undivided Conversations → Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for Ages 0-5: Saturday, August 1, 10:00 a.m. PT. Catch Undivided’s Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck explain how IHSS works for kids in California under age five.
July is Fragile X Syndrome Awareness Month, and most people have never heard of it! Learn about this common disability from an Undivided parent on Instagram→
Who is eligible for early intervention services from Regional Center in California? Check out this quick primer from our public benefits specialist on YouTube→
This week in our private Facebook group for parents: free future planning classes, highlighting siblings, feedback on summer camps, and more! Join the discussion→
Do you know other families navigating the transition from early intervention services to preschool? Help our free resources reach more parents and providers when you connect with Undivided on LinkedIn→
