The purpose of the Gentle Start program is to monitor, support and enhance the development of infants and toddlers who face medical, social, emotional and developmental challenges that place them at risk for developmental difficulties and their families.

The Gentle Start Program is highly individualized. Guided by the individual needs of each infant and family, each family is assigned a program coordinator to help with service planning and individual intervention.

Populations served include

• Any infant or toddler who is considered to be at risk for developmental  challenges and is under 3 years of age.
• Children whose parent(s) have a developmental disability.
• Toddlers between the ages of 24-35 months who demonstrate an  emerging delay in one or more areas of development.

*Services are provided to children 0-3 years of age.
Referrals can be made by calling EPU at our “One Call for Kids” line at 225-1102.

Services include

• Center-based services
• Home visitation
• Parent groups
• Parenting education classes
• “Play and Grow” Groups that focus on socialization and language development
• Developmental assessments
• “Tot Talk” classes for children with expressive language delays
• Occupational therapy consults and evaluation
• Physical therapy consults and evaluation
• Infant Massage Classes
• SCERTS Class for children with communication and self-regulation difficulties

Staff

The Gentle Start program is staffed by many different professional disciplines:

• Child Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech Therapy

Gentle Start FAQ

Who do I call if I think my child might qualify?
Please call "One Call for Kids" at 225-1102 and you will be guided into services.

How is my child assessed for developmental delays?
Each child is administered the HELP (Hawaii Early Learning Profile), a speech-language, occupational or physical therapy assessment and consultation if appropriate to determine areas for goal development.

Are there any rural services available?
We have weekly center-based services available in Fresno and Firebaugh, and home visitation is provided throughout Fresno County.

Is there a fee for services?
No, all services are funded by First 5 Fresno County and other private funders.