(858) 966-4011 chadwickcenter@rchsd.org

Infant and Young Child Program

KidSTART is a synergistic program developed for children ages 0-5 with complex socio-emotional, behavioral, developmental, medical and/or family needs.  The two components, KidSTART Clinic (operated by Rady’s Chadwick Center and funded through the County of San Diego’s Behavioral Health Services) and KidSTART Center (operated by Rady’s Developmental Services and funded through First 5), are integrated to allow mental health and developmental specialists to assess needs, develop collaborative treatment plans, provide unique interventions and facilitate long-term care coordination for the family.

KidSTART Clinic provides comprehensive assessment and treatment services.  Evidence-based practices (EBPs) and evidence-informed treatments focus on trauma-informed infant and early childhood mental health.  All services are driven by the unique client picture formulated from the Trauma Assessment Pathway (TAP).

Services include:

    • Individual therapy
    • Family therapy
    • Group therapy
    • Psychiatric evaluations
    • Medication monitoring
    • Early childhood rehabilitation services
    • Case management and linkage to resources

KidSTART Center is the main referral source for KidSTART Clinic.  KidSTART Center participants include Child Welfare Services (CWS) recipients who receive systematic developmental screening through Rady Children’s Developmental Screening and Enhancement Program (DSEP).  Based on DSEP or other community provider screening, the child may be referred for an assessment at the KidSTART Center.  Once assessed, KidSTART Center participants who meet medical necessity for behavioral health services and are full scope Medi-Cal beneficiaries are referred to the KidSTART Clinic.  KidSTART Clinic also serves additional Medi-Cal eligible children ages 0-5 and older siblings with county approval.

Caregiver Wellness Program

KidSTART Clinic created the Caregiver Wellness Program to address caregiver needs while their child is in treatment.  Caregivers include biological parents, relative caregivers, foster parents, adoptive parents and anyone considered a significant attachment figure for the child.  The program provides screening, needs assessments, linkage and caregiver therapeutic, educational and support groups.  KidSTART Clinic supports the caregiver while the caregiver supports the child.


How is a child referred to KidSTART Clinic?

  • Caregivers can call and refer their own child.
  • With the legal guardian’s permission, a child can be referred by a Teacher, Doctor, Social Worker or other community provider.

Location and Contact Information

Manager: Kristen Sylvester, LCSW

KidSTART Main:
Phone: (858) 966-4011
Fax: (858) 966-8148

Locations: Central (Kearny Mesa), North County (Oceanside), and South Bay (Chula Vista)