Worried About Your Child's Development?
You're in the Right Place.
We partner with families just like you through the NLACRC Early Start program to help your child meet their developmental milestones.
As a parent, you're an expert on your child. And when you have that gut feeling that something might be off, it's stressful. You might be wondering, "Is my child talking on time?" "Why aren't they playing with other kids?" or "What should I be doing to help?"
These questions are common, and you are not alone. Taking the first step to find answers is the best thing you can do for your child, and we're here to guide you through the process.
What is Child Development Therapy?
Child Development Therapy at KM Speech Therapy is a play-based, relationship-centered service designed to support infants and young children as they grow, learn, and connect with the world around them. Our trained Child Development Specialists work directly with children and their caregivers to strengthen developmental skills across cognition, communication, social-emotional development, play, motor abilities, and adaptive self-help—all within the context of everyday routines.
Rather than focusing on one isolated skill, Child Development Therapy looks at the “whole child”. We consider how a child’s environment, sensory needs, family culture, and unique strengths shape their learning. Through responsive, developmentally appropriate interactions, we help children build foundational skills such as joint attention, symbolic play, problem-solving, early communication, emotional regulation, and participation in daily activities.
Our sessions are active, playful, and collaborative. We use evidence-informed approaches—such as Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI), DIR/Floortime principles, SCERTS-aligned supports, and relationship-based coaching—to create meaningful learning opportunities during play and real-life routines. Families are partners in the process, receiving ongoing coaching and strategies that can be easily carried over at home and in the community.
Child Development Therapy is appropriate for children who may be experiencing delays, difficulties with regulation or behavior, challenges in social communication, or simply need support in building early developmental foundations. At KM Speech Therapy, our goal is to empower children to connect, communicate, explore, and grow—while empowering families with practical tools to support development every day.
Our Philosophy & Approach: More Than Just Play
At KM Speech Therapy, our philosophy is simple: You are your child’s most important teacher. Our job is to be your partner and coach—giving you the tools, confidence, and support you need to help your child thrive in everyday life.
And while our sessions may look like play, what we do is much more than that.
Here is what our approach looks like in practice:
It's Play-Based… but Intentionally So: Children learn best through play. While sessions may look like fun and games, every activity is chosen with purpose. We use your child’s natural interests to build skills like communication, problem-solving, early social interaction, emotional regulation, cognition, and participation in daily routines. Each play experience is aligned with your child’s individual IFSP goals, turning moments of joy into meaningful learning.
It's Relationship-Focused: The secure, loving bond between you and your child is the foundation for all developmental growth.
We help strengthen that connection by supporting you in reading your child’s cues, understanding their sensory needs, and responding in ways that build trust, connection, and engagement. When a child feels safe, understood, and connected, they learn best.It's Family-Coaching, Every Step of the Way: We don’t just “work with” your child for an hour. We partner with you. Our specialists offer hands-on modeling and simple strategies that can easily fit into daily routines—like mealtime, dressing, bath time, grocery shopping, or playing at the park. This ensures progress continues naturally throughout the week, not just during sessions.
Our goal is to make everyday moments easier, more joyful, and full of learning opportunities.
It’s Backed by Developmental Science: Our approach is grounded in evidence-informed frameworks such as:
These methods help us understand why a child behaves, communicates, or plays in certain ways—and guide us in choosing strategies that fit their individual developmental profile.
It’s Sensory-Aware and Strength-Based: Every child experiences the world differently. We honor your child’s sensory needs, preferences, and strengths so they feel safe and ready to learn. Rather than focusing on what a child can’t do, we build on what they can do, creating momentum, confidence, and joy in learning.
It’s the Whole Child, the Whole Family, the Whole Environment: Child Development Therapy at KM Speech Therapy is not about isolated skills—it’s about the whole child within the context of their relationships, routines, culture, and environment. We support communication, play, cognition, emotional regulation, motor readiness, and early independence through meaningful, responsive interactions.
“Because when children feel connected, understood, and supported… PLAY BECOMES PROGRESS.”
Your Partners in the NLACRC Early Start Program
Navigating early intervention can feel overwhelming—but we’re here to make it simple.
The North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) coordinates Early Start services for families in our region. Once your child is referred, NLACRC guides you through eligibility, evaluations, and creating a plan for your child’s development. KM Speech Therapy partners with NLACRC as an approved provider to support your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals.
How the Early Start Process Works (Step-by-Step)
The NLACRC Early Start system can feel confusing, but we’re here to make it easy. The North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) is the agency that evaluates young children and determines whether they qualify for early intervention services. If your child is eligible, NLACRC helps you create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and connects you with approved providers—like KM Speech Therapy.
Once services begin, our Child Development Therapists work with you on your child’s goals through play-based, family-centered sessions. We stay in close contact with your Service Coordinator, share progress updates, and help prepare you for IFSP meetings and the transition process when your child turns 3.
You’re never alone in this process. We communicate with you every step of the way to make Early Start clear, manageable, and supportive for your family. To determine eligibility, apply, and start working with us:
Visit the NLACRC Early Start page to determine if you are eligible.
If eligible, select the “Apply for Services Here” tab to start your application.
Once you are assigned a Service Coordinator, ask to be referred to KM Speech Therapy.
What We Take Care of for You
We know early intervention can feel like a lot to manage, and we’re here to make it easier. As your providers, we share regular updates on your child’s progress, collaborate with any professionals involved in your child’s care, and offer written summaries or input whenever needed. We help you understand your child’s goals, prepare for check-ins or progress reviews, and guide your family through important transitions—such as moving into preschool or school-based services around age 3.
Our goal is always to make the process clear, manageable, and as stress-free as possible so you can focus on supporting your child’s growth.
You’re Not Alone in This Process
The Early Start system can feel confusing at first—but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
We walk alongside you, explain each step in family-friendly language, and make sure you understand your options. Together, we’re here to support your child’s development and your family’s journey, every step of the way.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
We know this is a lot of information. If you're feeling overwhelmed or just want to talk to someone about your concerns, please call us. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions and help you figure out the next best steps.