Get Support Through Early Connections
Early Connections recognizes that every child has a unique journey and develops at their own pace. We understand that families may have questions along the way. We are here to provide supportive and caring help that meets each child and family’s individual needs.
Early Connections is a free service for San Francisco residents. Let Early Connections be your partner in the remarkable journey of raising young children!
Get Started: Centralized Access Point
The Centralized Access Point (CAP) is the first step in getting help through Early Connections.
Our intake coordinators listen to your child’s needs and work with you to find the right services. Whether you are just starting or already know what help you need, our friendly CAP team is here to assist you.
- Answer your questions about child development and available services,
- Understand your family’s unique needs
- Connect you with resources and services that fit your situation.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. CAP is your friendly first stop for support.
How to Connect with CAP
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 415-920-5040 (No referral needed)
Get a Head Start with Sparkler
If you prefer, you can download the Sparkler app and complete a developmental screening yourself. Once completed, the Early Connections CAP team will review your results and reach out to you with feedback and further support.
What to Expect from Early Connections
Early Connections offers different types of support to meet families’ different needs. Your CAP intake coordinator will help you find and access the right services. Generally, Early Connections offers three kinds of supports:
Care Coordination and Individualized Services
Care coordination is a family-centered service that brings together a supportive team to help families navigate complex needs, whether those are developmental, physical, emotional, or behavioral. It’s especially helpful for families who are juggling multiple services, need support managing their child’s care, or have multiple concerns about their child’s development, but may not qualify for formal early intervention services.
Early Connections Care Coordinators will be by your side if your child needs developmental services. We simplify access to important services and help you navigate complex systems so your child can get what they need and develop to their fullest potential.
Early Connections Care Coordinators speak multiple languages and will:
- Ensure that everyone involved in your child’s care is aligned.
- Help you access early intervention services and remove obstacles to meeting your child’s basic needs.
- Support families with children who have complex issues or recently received a disability diagnosis, guiding you through the available services and providers.
We work closely with all parts of the system to make this journey easier for you and your child. Our goal is to ensure it is smooth and free of challenges. Early Connections care coordination is provided by NEMS, Felton, and Support for Families.
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs & Early Intervention Family Resource Center (EI FRC)
The EI FRC assists families with children facing developmental disabilities, delays, or complex medical needs. The EI FRC operates city-wide, providing a comprehensive range of support services for families with children aged 0 to 17 who have special health care needs, are benefiting from early intervention, or are just starting out on this journey.
The EI FRC offers valuable support to your family by:
- Connecting you with a supportive community of other families who share similar experiences.
- Deepening your understanding of child development and boosting your ability to care for your child.
- Providing access to applicable resources and emotional support so you can confidently advocate for your child’s needs.
How to Contact the EI FRC
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 415-920-5040
Developmental Playgroups
Early Connections believes that play is vital for your child’s growth and learning. Our playgroups provide safe and friendly spaces for children with mild to moderate developmental challenges or interests. These groups focus on fun activities that develop skills like movement, emotional growth, communication, and mental abilities.
Caring, trained facilitators understand how to support children’s developmental needs. We aim to create a warm atmosphere for both kids and parents, allowing you to connect and learn together.
You can expect cheerful songs, movement activities, sensory exploration, and a variety of experiences that support your child’s development. It’s a great opportunity to build a lively community with other families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome! Here are some common questions families ask about Early Connections. If you don’t see your question here, reach out.
1. What is Early Connections?
2. How much do services cost?
All Early Connections services are free of charge to families. You don’t need insurance or a referral to get support — just reach out, and we’ll guide you.
3. I’m not sure if my child needs support. Should I still reach out?
Yes! You don’t need to wait until there’s a concern. If you have questions about your child’s development or want to understand how they’re growing, we’re here to help. Starting with a developmental screening is a great way to learn more.
4. What is a developmental screening?
A developmental screening (such as the Ages & Stages Questionnaire—ASQ) is an easy-to-use, family-friendly tool for monitoring your child’s development in communication, movement, and social-emotional skills. DEC provides the Sparkler app, which allows you to access the free, multilingual screening.
5. What happens after a screening?
Once you complete a screening, our team reviews the results and contacts you to discuss the results and the next steps. We’ll celebrate what’s going well and offer support if there are areas where your child may benefit from further assessments.
6. Can I join a playgroup without a diagnosis?
7. What is care coordination?
Care Coordination is a family-centered service that brings together a supportive team to help families navigate complex needs, whether those are developmental, physical, emotional, or behavioral. It’s especially helpful for families who are juggling multiple services, need support managing their child’s care, or have multiple concerns about their child’s development, but may not qualify for formal early intervention services.
8. My child already receives services elsewhere — can we still participate?
Yes! Early Connections is designed to complement and coordinate with other services you may already have.
9. Are services available in different languages?
Yes. Our intake team and partners offer services in multiple languages, including Spanish and Chinese, and we can provide interpretation and translated materials to support your family.
10. Who will I be talking to when I reach out?
You’ll speak with an Intake Coordinator from our Centralized Access Point (CAP) team when you contact us. They’ll take the time to understand your needs, answer questions, and help connect you with the right services.
11. I’m not comfortable using online forms. Can I call instead?
Of course! We understand that every family prefers different ways to connect. You can call, email, or talk to one of our partners in person — whatever feels most effortless.
12. I’m not a U.S. citizen, so can I still get help?
Yes. Early Connections services are available to all families regardless of immigration status. You do not need to share any documentation to receive support.