You know your child better than anyone else in the world. You’re the first one to see their smiles, their first steps, and their unique personality. Because you know them so well, you’re also the best person to notice if they’re having a hard time connecting with others or managing their feelings.
\nSometimes, children need a little extra help to reach their full potential. This is where early intervention comes in. It’s important to remember that it’s not about finding a problem or giving your child a label. Instead, early intervention is an opportunity to provide the right support at the right time so they can grow and do their best.
"}},"contents":{"json":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{"target":{"metadata":{"tags":[],"concepts":[]},"sys":{"space":{"sys":{"type":"Link","linkType":"Space","id":"xf6mqlbz6glx","contentful_id":"xf6mqlbz6glx"}},"id":"c5RM7eJLWK2KEwKgWhrG2vM","type":"Asset","createdAt":"2026-06-18T21:22:45.721Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-18T21:22:45.721Z","environment":{"sys":{"id":"master","type":"Link","linkType":"Environment","contentful_id":"master"}},"publishedVersion":4,"revision":1,"contentful_id":"5RM7eJLWK2KEwKgWhrG2vM"},"fields":{"title":"Hispanic mother comforting crying daughter stock photo","description":"523244696","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/xf6mqlbz6glx/5RM7eJLWK2KEwKgWhrG2vM/3d5e6018487fc165bb96f23b1de5952e/iStock-523244696.jpg","details":{"size":12189346,"image":{"width":5616,"height":3744}},"fileName":"iStock-523244696.jpg","contentType":"image/jpeg"}}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-asset-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Understanding Social-Emotional Milestones","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Social-emotional milestones are markers that show how your child is learning to connect with people and handle their own individual emotions. These skills are just as important as crawling or talking.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Here is a quick look at what these markers can look like as your child grows:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Infants (0 to 1 year): ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"They start to smile at people, make eye contact, and act happy to see you. They’ll also start to copy your movements and facial expressions.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Toddlers (1 to 3 years): ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"They show more affection toward people they know. They start to play next to other children and might even show a little bit of empathy, like giving a hug to a friend who is crying.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"They become more independent and want to do things on their own. They start to follow simple rules, share toys with friends, and use their words to express how they feel.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"When you keep an eye on these markers, you’re helping your child build a strong foundation for life.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Recognizing the Signs for Extra Support","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Every child grows at their own pace, so it’s normal for some kids to reach milestones a bit earlier or later than others. However, there are specific signs that suggest a child might need some extra help with their social or emotional growth.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Here’s what to look for at different ages:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Infants (0 to 1 year): ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"You might want to ask for help if your baby doesn’t make eye contact or doesn’t seem to notice when you’re nearby. Another sign is if they don’t smile back at you or copy your facial expressions by the time they’re 9 months old.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Toddlers (1 to 3 years):","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if your toddler shows almost no interest in other children or doesn’t know how to play with age-appropriate toys. You should also reach out if they have extreme trouble calming down or never look to you for comfort when they're upset.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Keep an eye out if your child seems very withdrawn or doesn't show much emotion, like joy or sadness. Other signs include having a very hard time following basic rules, acting very aggressively toward others, or being too afraid to leave your side.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Noticing these signs early isn’t a cause for panic. However, it can signal that it might be time to ask your child’s doctor for their opinion.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Reframing Early Intervention as a Tool for Success","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The term “early intervention” can sound a bit scary at first, but it helps to think of it differently. Early intervention isn’t a sign that you did something wrong. It’s really just a proactive tool to help set your child up for success, like a coach for an athlete or a tutor for a student, and it’s a sign that you’re doing everything right to set your child up for success.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"A child’s brain develops faster in the first five years than at any other time in life. This rapid growth means that early support can work wonders, helping their fast-growing brain build healthy pathways right from the start. It can also help them learn how to manage big feelings and make friends more easily before they even start kindergarten.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Your Right to a Free Evaluation","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"If you have concerns about your child’s development, you don’t have to wait and see. There is a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. This law gives you and your child important rights.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"One of the most important rights is that your child can get a free evaluation to see if they qualify for extra help. This evaluation looks at their speech, physical skills, and social-emotional growth. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to ask for this, and it won't cost you anything.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"In California, you can also contact your local school district or a ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Regional Center","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" to ask for an evaluation. They’re there to help you understand your child’s needs and find the best path forward.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Knowing your rights gives you the power to be the best advocate for your child’s future.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"You’re Doing a Great Job","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Asking for help is one of the bravest things a parent can do. By paying attention to your child’s feelings and seeking support when they need it, you’re giving them a beautiful gift. You’re making sure they have the skills they need to navigate the world with confidence and joy.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"For more information on how to support your child’s growth, visit our ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://strongerstarts.com/get-help-now/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"resources page","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":".","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}},"author":{"name":"First 5 California","image":{"file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/xf6mqlbz6glx/4pO9QBIn13KrsiJXdYwN16/a89042a9f8c029e5e5694d4fbdd0877f/first-5-california-logo.png"}}},"sources":{"json":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.earlystagesdc.org/page/social-emotional-milestones"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Early Stages DC","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/early-intervention/index.html"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"CDC","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/birth-to-12-months-social-emotional-development/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Zero to Three","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.parentcenterhub.org/evaluation/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Center for Parent Information and Resources","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}},"bookImage":null,"bookDescription":null,"bookDownload":null,"bookLink":null,"youtubeVideoId":null,"showFeaturedVideo":null,"showFeaturedActivities":null},"sidebarContent":{"pageFeaturedDownloadLabel":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadTitle":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadImage":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadAsset":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadLink":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadCta":null,"pageFeaturedVideo":null,"pageFeaturedService":null,"pageFeaturedActivities":null,"pageFeaturedQuote":null}},"pageContext":{"id":"ad447e07-5c2f-55f7-be02-a105be4b91f0","contentful_id":"1x8N0L5YbhpP2Wozzeq5r9","locale":"en-US","section":"topics"}},"staticQueryHashes":["1119012108","1697936219","179512363","179512363","179512363","2544526753","2864971689","2920524551","526850764","526850764","526850764","576933679","984081858"]}