Free · No referral needed · Ages 0–3

Part C Early Intervention by State

Every U.S. state has a free Part C early intervention program for children from birth to age 3. Choose your state to get the phone number, official site, and exactly what to say to start.

Find your state's early intervention program

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

What is "Part C" early intervention?

"Part C" refers to Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which funds early intervention for children from birth to age 3 in every U.S. state. If you're worried your baby or toddler isn't meeting their developmental milestones, this is the free, government-funded program that helps — with developmental evaluations and services like speech, physical, and occupational therapy.

How much does it cost?

The evaluation is free, and services are provided at little or no cost to families regardless of income or insurance. Many parents never start because they assume it will be expensive — it isn't.

Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?

No. You can request a Part C evaluation yourself — no doctor's referral and no diagnosis required. The free evaluation is what determines whether your child qualifies.

How do I start?

Choose your state above to find your local Part C program's phone number and website, plus a step-by-step guide and exactly what to say when you call. Not sure whether to act? Check your child's milestones first.

Frequently asked questions

What is Part C early intervention? +

Part C of the federal IDEA law funds free early intervention for children from birth to age 3 in every U.S. state. It provides developmental evaluations and services like speech, physical, and occupational therapy for babies and toddlers with delays or disabilities.

Is early intervention free? +

Yes. The evaluation is free, and Part C services are provided at little or no cost to families in every state, regardless of income or insurance.

Do I need a referral or diagnosis? +

No. You can request a free Part C evaluation yourself — no doctor referral or diagnosis is needed for a child under 3.

How do I find my state's program? +

Choose your state below. Each page lists your state's Part C program name, phone number, official website, and step-by-step how to start.