Serving Sonoma County
Make a Referral
Young children grow and learn at a rapid pace. Sometimes parents worry that their child may be falling behind in one way or another or developing differently than other children. It can be difficult to know when to seek help – or what kind to look for. Our referral specialists are here to answer your questions and get you on the road to support, the earlier the better. Don’t wait - call now and learn more. We’re here to help.
Early Start Intake
Early Start is the name used for developmental services and supports for young children 0-3 years of age. If you have questions or concerns about your young one’s development, a simple phone call is all it takes to start getting answers. You do not need a referral from anyone else, just you… and you know your child best. Intake is free and if your child doesn’t qualify for Early Start, every effort will be made to find services and supports that fit your needs. Call 707.591.0170 to get started!
Center Based Playgroups
WeePlay Playgroups support the development of play, language, motor and social emotional skills in a therapeutic, play-based, social group environment. As the saying goes, you can be a great parent but you can’t be a group of kids. A fun, supportive learning experience for children and parents together.
Parent Support
Early Learning Institute’s PEAS program provides Parent Support to parents of young children birth through 5 years of age receiving Early Start developmental services or special education preschool services. PEAS (as in peas in a pod) is a free program of one-to-one emotional support offered in parents’ homes, at Early Learning Institute’s offices, or in other private settings. PEAS is also available by phone or video call. Interested parents can call ELI or make a referral through this website.
Early Start Home Visiting
For children birth to three years of age who qualify for Early Start developmental services, ELI’s Developmental Specialists provide targeted activities in the home to support optimal developmental growth. We partner with parents, whom we believe are children’s first and best teachers, and we follow an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that fits each family and child’s needs.
Navigation
We know how confusing and overwhelming it can sometimes be to search for help for your child or to get an answer to a developmental question from a trusted source. The ELI Navigation Program is specifically designed to help you find the services you need for your child, birth to 5 years of age, and your family. The service is free - call 707.591.0170 or email eli@earlylearninginstitute.com today.
ELI Community Preschool
A small, inclusive preschool play program designed especially for children who are not quite ready for larger preschool environments, ELI Community Preschool may be just the fit you are looking for. Call ELI to inquire about openings and tuition.
Instructions Not Included
Instructions Not Included program, (INI) offers free parent education and support to Sonoma County parents incorporating a father-friendly format. Offered during their child’s first year of life, families receive quarterly home visits by an experienced infant specialist who will answer any questions or concerns that may arise. Home visitors provide health and developmental monitoring, safety suggestions and linkages to other services, as needed. Additionally, a 5th “father’s visit” will focus on supporting the unique needs of fathers/partners during their baby’s first year.
The Consultation Project
Preschool teachers and childcare providers know development well and sometimes see children struggling with challenging behaviors or other concerns. The Consultation Project provides free on-site consultation to childcare providers, preschool teachers and families to support a child’s success within the early education setting. Providers and parents can call ELI or make a referral through this website.
Watch Me Grow
WMG provides free social and developmental screenings and services to children in Sonoma County from birth through age 5 and not yet in Kindergarten, who would otherwise not be screened or served.