For more than 50 years, Assistance League of Laguna Beach has proudly fully funded a unique and life-changing program for infants with developmental delays and their families. Originally established as the Early Intervention Program (EIP), idp LAGUNA was created in response to a community need and remains the only program of its kind in the nation serving developmentally delayed infants from birth to just over one year of age at no cost to the families.

In partnership with Integrated Community Educational Center (ICEC), licensed occupational and physical therapists, developmental specialists, and behavioral professionals provide individualized assessments, guidance, and therapeutic services tailored to each child’s unique needs. Their expertise helps maximize developmental progress during this critical stage of early growth.

We believe that family involvement is essential to successful early intervention. Through active participation in weekly therapy sessions, parents and caregivers gain practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to support their child’s development at home and in everyday life. By empowering families and providing compassionate, expert care, idp LAGUNA helps infants reach their fullest potential while creating a strong foundation for future success.

After two hours of therapies something very special happens. As volunteers, we step in to hold and care for the babies 1:1 for about an hour. We sit in a giant circle of rocking chairs, doing whatever is necessary to soothe and comfort the babies.  This allows the parents the opportunity to go upstairs and meet with a licensed marriage/family therapist. There they can talk openly about the challenges they are facing, share resources, and support one another.  All creating a sense of community, understanding, and strength among these families who benefit from knowing they are not alone.

When a baby reaches their developmental milestones, this achievement is celebrated with a graduation ceremony complete with cap and gown, a diploma, and Matilda the Gorilla, the IDP mascot.