SoonerStart

The SoonerStart program, also known as Early Intervention, works with families of children birth-three years who have disabilities and developmental delays. The program is designed to assist parents and caregivers in enhancing children’s learning and development through everyday learning opportunities. The Cleveland County SoonerStart Program provides services for individuals and families in Cleveland, Garvin, and McClain counties. 

SoonerStart is a joint effort of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

For information on the SoonerStart Program, please contact the Cleveland County Health Department at (405) 321-4048. 

Eligibility

Services provided through Soonerstart are available at no charge to parents, and there are no income eligibility requirements. SoonerStart is mandated through Federal and State law and is funded through federal and state funds as well as Medicaid.

Infants and toddlers birth to three years who are developmentally delayed are eligible for services. Criteria for the program include:

1. A child having a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay, or
   
2. A child whose developmental age is 50% below the child’s chronological age in one area, or 25% below the chronological age in two or more areas.

Services Provided

• Screening and evaluation services
• Information and support to parents and caregivers
• Services in natural environments including home, child care settings, or other community locations
• Service providers include occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nursing, physical therapists, child development specialists, psychological clinicians