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Children with Special Needs

An estimated 13.3 million children, or 18% of all children in the U.S., have special health care needs. Children who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with a disability or other special need that may affect their development are best helped when they start receiving services as early as possible. Early Intervention (remedial or preventive) is designed to improve outcomes for children with developmental disabilities: to enhance development, provide family support, and maximize the child’s and family’s benefit to society. WIC Can Help families get critical services for their children with special health care needs.

What Local Agencies Can Do:

  1. Get to know the resources on this page and the Child Care page.
  2. Refer families to web-based resources and phone numbers or provide printed resources as needed or upon request.

California Early Start

Toll-free: (800) 515-BABY (2229) or email [email protected]

Teams of specialists evaluate and assess infants or toddlers and provide appropriate early intervention and family support services for young children (birth to age three).

California Department of Developmental Services

(916) 654-1690 or TTY: (916) 654-2054

Services and support for persons (over age 3) with developmental disabilities via state-operated developmental centers and community facilities and 21 nonprofit regional centers

General Resources

HEALTHY FAMILIES...STRONG COMMUNITIES...BRIGHT FUTURES!

CALIFORNIA WIC ASSOCIATION | 3960 INDUSTRIAL BLVD, SUITE 500 WEST SACRAMENTO, CA 95691 | PHONE: 916-572-0700