SoonerStart Early Intervention

SoonerStart is Oklahoma early intervention program for infants and toddlers who show developmental delays or have a disability. It helps very young children learn and grow through everyday routines and activities, at no cost to families.

What it offers

• Developmental support delivered within a child natural daily routines rather than a clinic setting
• Guidance and coaching that helps parents encourage progress at home
• A team approach that can draw on different specialists based on the child’s needs
• An individualized plan built around each family’s goals
• Services provided at no cost to the family

Who it is for

The program serves children from birth to age three who show a significant delay, generally a 50 percent delay in one area of development or a 25 percent delay in two or more areas. It is meant for families who have noticed their child is not meeting expected milestones and want early, supportive help. Because the earliest years shape so much later development, prompt intervention can make a meaningful difference. Precise criteria are outlined on the official site.

Getting started

Anyone with a concern, including a parent, doctor, or caregiver, can start the process by submitting the online referral form or calling the program. A referral leads to an evaluation that determines whether the child qualifies, followed by a plan built around the family’s goals and daily life. Early contact is encouraged so support can begin as soon as possible, and families do not need a formal diagnosis before reaching out.

What families can expect

Families can expect support that fits into daily life rather than a clinic routine. SoonerStart works within a child’s natural activities, coaching parents to encourage progress at home, and it builds an individualized plan around each family’s goals. A team may draw on different specialists depending on what a particular child needs.

After a referral, families can expect an evaluation to determine whether the child qualifies, followed by a plan shaped around the household’s everyday life. Because the earliest years matter so much, early contact is encouraged, and a formal diagnosis is not required before a parent reaches out with a concern about development.

It helps to jot down the specific things a parent has noticed, such as milestones a child has not yet reached, before making a referral. The program serves children under three, so families with an older child who still has concerns can ask staff about other resources. Reaching out sooner means support can begin while a child is youngest, which is when it tends to help most.

Families ready to begin can call the program at (405) 426-8494 during regular business hours or submit the online referral form, and either path reaches the same intake process. A referral does not commit a family to anything; it simply sets up an evaluation that measures whether a child shows the qualifying delay, generally 50 percent in one area of development or 25 percent in two or more. Because a doctor, caregiver, or parent can all make that first contact, no one needs to wait for a professional to act. When reaching out, it helps to describe the milestones a child has not yet reached and roughly when the concerns began, since those notes give the evaluation team a clearer starting point and help support begin sooner.

Frequently asked questions

Who can make a referral?

Anyone with a concern can, including a parent, doctor, or caregiver, by submitting the online form or calling the program directly. You do not have to wait for a professional to act.

What ages does it serve?

The program serves children from birth to age three who show a qualifying developmental delay. Precise criteria are on the official site.

Does it cost anything?

No. SoonerStart services are provided at no cost to the family. Support is delivered within a child’s everyday routines rather than a clinic.

Do I need a diagnosis first?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to reach out, and early contact is encouraged so support can begin sooner. A referral leads to an evaluation that determines whether the child qualifies.