Stars Assessment Program
Get Help Early -It Makes All the Difference.
Free developmental assessments for children under 3 in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz & San Benito Counties.
Timely Support
Why Early Assessments Matter
- 85% of brain development happens before age 3.
- The earlier intervention begins, the better long-term outcomes.
- Children who receive support early are more likely to succeed socially and academically.
- Based on California DDS statistics: early intervention leads to faster improvement and higher success in school readiness.
How to Know If Your Child Qualifies for a Free Assessments
Not all developmental delays are easy to spot. Some children are considered high-risk at birth or early in life and may benefit from early screening—even if there are no visible symptoms yet.
Common High-Risk Factors:
- Born premature (before 32 weeks gestation)
- Low birth weight (under 1500 grams)
- Persistent metabolic conditions requiring treatment at discharge
- CNS abnormalities or infections, such as hydrocephalus or encephalopathy
- Nonfebrile seizures within the first 3 years of life
- Serious brain injuries, including brain bleeds (IVH), meningitis, or trauma
- Multiple congenital anomalies or known genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Prader-Willi)
- Significantly small for gestational age (below the 3rd percentile)
- Intubated for 48+ hours in the first month of life (including CPAP/BPAP)
- Low Apgar scores (0–5 at one and five minutes after birth)
- Prenatal exposure to teratogens (e.g., alcohol, drugs, lead, certain medications)
- Confirmed neonatal drug withdrawal or positive tox screen at birth
- Persistent muscle tone issues (hypertonia or hypotonia)
- Diagnosed failure to thrive, noted in medical records
10,000 Babies Born Per Month
In California, approximately 1 in 7 children are estimated to have special health care needs, including those with developmental delays.
While 2.9% of children from birth to age 3 receive early intervention services, it’s estimated that many more who could benefit are not being served.
5 areas of child development
What We Assess
Social-Emotional
To truly thrive, we must learn to exist peacefully within ourselves and coexist with others. As a child develops within the socioemotional dimension, he or she learns how to successfully regulate his or her own internal emotional state and read the social cues of others. Strong emotions can be controlled or expressed properly; confrontation can be managed without violence; we can evolve empathy toward others.
Adaptive
Adaptive development refers to the self-care component of growing up, taking care of things like eating, drinking, toileting, bathing and getting dressed independently. It also entails being aware of one’s environment and any hazards it may pose, keeping oneself safe and protected. A child should have made significant progress in these areas before his or her fourth birthday.
Communication
The ability to comprehend, utilize, and manipulate language may be the single most powerful skill a person can develop. The four aspects of language development are phonology (forming a language’s constituent sounds into words), syntax (fitting those words together into sentences according to language’s rules and conventions), semantics (meaning and shades of meaning), and pragmatics (how the language is applied in practical and interpersonal communication).
Physical
This domain involves the senses (taste, touch, sight, smell, hearing, and proprioception — or bodily awareness of one’s orientation in space), gross motor skills (major movements involving large muscles), and fine motor skills (involving small muscles, particularly of the fingers and hands).
Cognitive
The cognitive domain of development refers to the ability to mentally process information — to think, reason, and understand what’s happening around you.
Vision and Hearing Screening
Screening for vision and hearing is included, along with a review of medical history. Please note, this is not a formal diagnostic test for vision or hearing.
Meet the Experts
Your Child Will Be Seen by a Team Who Cares
Occupational Therapists
Speech and Language Pathologists
Physical Therapists
Early Intervention Specialists
Your team is matched based on your child’s needs. Every child is unique— we treat them that way.
Testimonials
Real Stories, Real Impact
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the assessment really free?
Who is eligible?
In California, infants and toddlers under the age of 3 are eligible if they meet any of the following criteria after a professional assessment:
- Developmental Delay: A delay of at least 25% in one or more areas such as cognitive, physical/motor (including vision & hearing), expressive or receptive communication, social/emotional, or adaptive skills.
- Established Risk Condition: A diagnosed medical condition known to likely cause developmental delays (e.g., Down syndrome, cerebral palsy).
- High Biomedical Risk: Presence of two or more risk factors (e.g., prematurity, neonatal seizures, prenatal substance exposure) assessed by professionals.
What if my child doesn’t qualify?
How quickly can we be scheduled?
Do I need to submit anything with my request for an assessment?
Will this affect my medical insurance?
Contact Us
Request a Free Developmental Assessment
What to Expect
What Happens After You Submit the Form?
- Our team reviews your concerns.
- Your child meets with a licensed expert team based on their needs.
- You get clear next steps and resources—whether or not your child qualifies.
