DEVELOPMENTAL AND LEARNING SUPPORTS

For all children, early developmental monitoring and school-based support can make a meaningful difference in learning, communication, and confidence. Many children with cleft or craniofacial conditions benefit from developmental assessments, early speech and language therapy, and ongoing collaboration between families, medical teams, and schools.

Depending on a child’s needs, services may include early intervention services, speech and occupational therapy, developmental evaluations, or classroom supports through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans.

These programs help ensure that each child has the right tools, accommodations, and resources to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—through every stage of development.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Early intervention refers to developmental services and supports, such as speech, physical, or occupational therapy, provided to babies and young children with developmental delays or who are at risk for a disability. These programs, available in every state, help children build skills, overcome challenges, and thrive at home, in school, and in daily life.

California’s Early Start (ES) Program (www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start): California’s Early Start program provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or risk factors. Following a free evaluation, eligible families receive an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that may include speech, occupational, or physical therapy, family training, and developmental support—all coordinated by a service provider. If your child is under three, contact your state’s early intervention program. For children over three, reach out to your local public elementary school to request an evaluation for preschool special education services. Contact: (800) 515-2229

Connecticut’s Birth to Three System (https://www.birth23.org/) provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers under age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. Administered by the Department of Developmental Services, the program offers evaluations and individualized supports to help children build communication, movement, and learning skills within their natural environments. Contact: (800) 505-7000

The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP; www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/)provides developmental services for infants and toddlers under age 3 who have confirmed disabilities or developmental delays. Administered by the Department of Health, the EIP offers evaluations and family-centered supports to promote growth across physical, cognitive, communication, and social-emotional skills. The Early Intervention Program offers a variety of therapeutic and support services to eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, including: assistive technology devices & services, audiology, family education and counseling, home visits, and parent support groups, nursing services, nutrition services, OT, PT, psychological services, service coordination, social work services, special instruction, speech pathology, vision services. Contact: (800) 522-5006 or (518) 473-7016

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES BY STATE

Each state offers programs that help individuals with developmental disabilities access evaluations, coordinated services, and community supports. While the structure varies, the goal is the same—to promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life through individualized planning and care.

California’s Regional Center System (www.dds.ca.gov/rc/) is a statewide network of 21 community-based, non-profit centers that coordinate services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Regional centers provide diagnosis, eligibility evaluation, and personalized service plans, connecting families to therapies, residential programs, and lifelong supports. Find your Regional Center by address or zip code here. Southern CA offices:

In New York, services for individuals with developmental disabilities are coordinated through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD; https://opwdd.ny.gov/). This state-run system partners with local providers to offer case management, therapy, and community supports that foster independence and inclusion.

Connecticut’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS; https://portal.ct.gov/dds) oversees programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities through assessments, service coordination, and partnerships with community agencies. DDS helps individuals and families access resources that promote skill development and independent living.

  • Web: https://www.elarc.org/Home
    To apply for services: https://www.elarc.org/People-We-Serve/Apply-for-Services

    Executive Director: Gloria Wong
    Phone: 626-299-4700

    Early Start Intake: 626-299-4777

    Counties Served: The health districts of Alhambra, East Los Angeles, Northeast, and Whittier within the county of Los Angeles.

  • Web: https://lanterman.org/
    To Apply for services: https://lanterman.org/getting-started/

    Executive Director: Srbui Ovsepyan
    Phone: 213-383-1300

    Early Start Intake: 213-252-8610

    Counties Served: The Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center serves the health districts of Central, Glendale, Hollywood-Wilshire, and Pasadena within the county of Los Angeles

  • Web: https://www.harborrc.org/
    To Apply for Services: https://www.harborrc.org/services/apply-for-services/

    Executive Director: Patrick Ruppe
    Ph: 310-540-1711

    Early Start Intake: 310-543-7927

    Counties Served: The Harbor Regional Center serves the health districts of Bellflower, Harbor, Long Beach, and Torrance within the city of Los Angeles.

  • Web: https://sclarc.org/
    To Apply for Services: https://intake.sclarc.org/AppForm.aspx

    Executive Director: Dexter A. Henderson
    Ph: 213-744-7000

    Early Start Intake: 213-744-8807

    Counties Served: The health districts of Compton, San Antonio, South, Southeast, and Southwest within the county of Los Angeles

  • Web: https://westsiderc.org/
    To Apply for Services: https://westsiderc.org/intake/

    Executive Director: Jane Borochoff
    Ph: 310-258-4000

    Early Start Intake: 310-258-4096

    Counties Served: The health districts of Inglewood and Santa Monica-West within the county of Los Angeles

Speech & Language Services in Cleft Care

Speech therapy plays a vital role in helping children with cleft conditions develop clear communication and confidence. Many families can access speech and language services through regional centers or school-based programs such as IEPs—important resources that provide ongoing support throughout a child’s development.

In addition, working with specialists experienced in cleft and craniofacial speech can help ensure that subtle differences in resonance, airflow, and articulation are accurately understood and treated. These experts can guide families and coordinate with school or community therapists to provide the most effective care.

To learn more, explore our list of collaborative speech and cleft specialists who partner with families and local providers (coming soon…).

School-Based Evaluations (IEPs & 504 Plans)

Public schools are required by law to provide free evaluations if there is a concern that a child may need extra support due to a disability. These assessments can identify whether a student qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which provides specialized services and supports, or a 504 Plan, which offers accommodations to help a student fully participate in school. Eligibility may include challenges with learning, speech and language, attention, health conditions, or developmental differences. Families can request an evaluation directly from their child’s school, and if eligible, a plan will be developed to support the student’s educational success.