In California, early intervention services are provided through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and are called Early Start. Early Start is for infants and toddlers who are showing developmental delays or are at risk for having a developmental disability.
Early Intervention Workforce Report 2026
Increasing demand for early intervention services combined with on-going workforce shortages has created substantial barriers to timely access to services for Early Start families across the state. To better understand these challenges, the California Policy Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CPCIDD) conducted a statewide study examining the early intervention workforce and its impact on California families. Information for this report was collected through surveys, focus groups, one-to-one interviews, state and national data sources, and existing research. Participants included early intervention service providers, Early Start service coordinators, Family Resource Centers, and families participating in the Early Start program.
