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California guide · Birth to 3

Early Start in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin: How to Refer Your Child to Golden Gate Regional Center

How families in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin ask Golden Gate Regional Center for a free developmental evaluation for a baby or toddler under 3, what happens next, and what changes at age 3.

Written by the ChildEvaluation editorial team. Sources checked October 16, 2026. Editorial policy · Clinical standards

Who Early Start is for

Early Start is California's early intervention program for babies and toddlers from birth to 36 months. A child may qualify because of a delay in development, an established risk condition, or a high risk of a developmental disability. California's regional centers run Early Start for most families.

You don't need a diagnosis or a doctor's referral to ask. Parents can refer their own child, and the evaluation is free.

How to refer your child in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin

Free · birth to 3

Early Start at Golden Gate Regional Center

A free developmental evaluation for babies and toddlers.

  • AgesBirth to 3
  • CostFree
  • How to startRefer your own child. No doctor or diagnosis needed.
  • TimelineEvaluation and first plan within 45 days
How to apply, step by step
  • For infants and toddlers from birth to 3 years old.
  • GGRC's Intake Contact page says to email the Early Start Referral Form to intake@ggrc.org, call 1-888-339-3305, or fax the form to 1-888-339-3306.
  • All faxes get a call to confirm receipt; if you don't hear back within 2 business days, call.
  • When this was checked, GGRC's Apply page said its online application was being fixed and asked families to download the referral form and email it, or call the intake line and leave a message.
  • Referral form (PDF): ggrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GGRC-Intake-Early-Start-.
  • DDS asks families to call before sending personal health information.
  • Early Start Family Resource Centers listed by DDS: Marin, Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center (800) 578-2592; San Francisco, Support for Families of Children with Disabilities (415) 920-5040; San Mateo, AbilityPath Family Resource Center (650) 259-0189.

Checked Oct 16, 2026 · ggrc.org, dds.ca.gov, sfusd.edu

What happens after you call

  1. 1

    Intake

    An intake coordinator collects basic information and asks for consent to evaluate. Have your child's birth date, your insurance or Medi-Cal card, and any notes from your pediatrician ready.

  2. 2

    Evaluation and assessment

    Qualified staff look at thinking, movement, communication, social-emotional skills, and self-help skills, and ask about your family's priorities. The evaluation is free.

  3. 3

    First planning meeting (IFSP)

    If your child qualifies, you meet to write an Individualized Family Service Plan. Federal rules give the program 45 days from referral to finish the evaluation and hold this meeting.

  4. 4

    Services

    Services usually happen where your child already spends time, such as home or child care. Ask how each service will be paid for, because regional centers may ask to bill your health insurance for some services.

What changes at age 3

Early Start ends at the third birthday. At least 90 days before then (and up to nine months before, if everyone agrees), the team holds a transition conference with you and, with your consent, your school district.

After 3, two systems take over. Your school district decides whether your child qualifies for preschool special education. The regional center decides whether your child qualifies for ongoing services under the Lanterman Act. Each uses its own rules, so ask about both.

Don't wait for the transition meeting to ask the district

If your child is close to 3, you can send the district a written request for a preschool special education assessment yourself. Write a request letter with the California timelines included.

If you're also considering a private evaluation

Early Start doesn't require a diagnosis, and a diagnosis isn't needed to start services. Some families still want one, for example to understand autism concerns or to use health insurance for therapy. A private evaluation can happen at the same time as Early Start; you don't have to choose.

Not sure which route fits your child?

Answer four questions (age, concern, ZIP code, and how you'd pay) to see free public programs and local evaluators.

Where do I start?

Sources

  1. California Department of Developmental Services: Early Start
  2. California Department of Developmental Services: Regional center eligibility
  3. 34 CFR 303.310: 45-day timeline for early intervention evaluations
  4. 34 CFR 303.209: Transition at age 3
General information, not legal or medical advice

Laws and program details change. Check with the agency named on this page, and talk to a qualified professional about your child. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@childevaluation.com.

Related California guides

  • SFUSD preschool assessmentSan Francisco Unified assesses children ages 3 to 5 for special education at no cost, including children who aren't enrolled in an SFUSD preschool. Here's who to contact and what timelines apply.
  • Regional center after age 3After the third birthday, California's regional centers serve people with autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or a closely related condition. Here's who qualifies, the timelines, and Bay Area intake contacts.
  • While you waitPrivate evaluation waitlists in the Bay Area can run for months. Free public routes have legal timelines, and much of what helps a child doesn't require a diagnosis.