Is your child talking less than other kids their age?
In Fresno, you can get a free speech evaluation. Early Start helps if your child is under 3, and your public school district helps from age 3. Below you’ll find who to call, what happens next and simple ways to practice at home while you wait.
If something on this list worries you, you don’t need to wait and see. You can ask for a free evaluation right away.
An evaluation is a check of how your child talks and understands words. It usually happens through play, often with a speech therapist.
Early Start is California’s early intervention program for babies and toddlers up to 36 months. In Fresno County, Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) runs it. You can call CVRC yourself.
The school district evaluates children for free from age 3, even before they start school. Your district depends on your home address. In Fresno Unified, call the special education office.
The Fresno State-Scottish Rite Speech and Language Clinic offers speech evaluations and therapy. Graduate students work with your child, supervised by qualified professionals. Call to ask about fees and the wait.
These services are run independently of Speech Blubs.
Watch and respond together.Getting an appointment can take time. Speech Blubs gives you short activities to do together: your child watches other kids say words and make sounds, then tries too.
Pick a topic your child loves, like animals or snacks.
Watch together and pause. Give your child time to look, point or say a word.
Use the word later, at snack time or in a book.
AnaMom of a 2-year-oldIt's definitely one of my favorite apps right now for my little one.
MimiMomIt has so many different resources to help your child with their first words up to learning how to build sentences.
KaterinaMom and educatorI started looking for something that was research-backed and supported by professionals.
NoelleMom, sister of a speech therapistMy sister is an SLP, and she actually told us to download this app for my kid.
ShannonMom of three autistic sonsIt's just really been a joy to see how much fun he has using the app.
LezlieMom of a toddlerHe looks forward to it every day because we get to take a fun picture.
MikeDad of a toddlerGail responds really well to seeing kids his age or a little bit older doing things that he's doing.
LindsayMom of a 2-year-oldThey agreed that we could be doing some more practice at home.
Father of a 23-month-oldWhen I tell her it's time to play her game, she runs and gets up on the couch to play.
ChristinaMom of EdenWe aren't completely there, but we're closer than we ever have been.
If your child sees a therapist, ask which activities fit.
The app content is available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, Swedish, Polish, Hebrew, Hungarian, Lithuanian and Romanian. You can switch the language in the app menu. Read the language FAQ.
Use a walk, a book, or a snack as a reason to talk together. Follow what interests your child.
A City of Fresno community center in the Tower District. Ask about activities for young children. 770 North San Pablo Avenue, Fresno.
Name something your child notices with a short phrase, such as “big tree.” Pause for their response.
A Fresno County Public Library branch northwest of the Tower District. Let your child choose a book to borrow. 629 West Dakota Avenue, Fresno.
Choose a picture your child likes and talk about it together. Connect it to a toy at home.
Offer two familiar toys or foods and name each one. Give your child time to respond. Follow a look, gesture, sound, or word.
Opening hours change, so check the website before you go.
Short answers about free help, costs and the app.
The evaluation is free: through Early Start under age 3, or through your public school district from age 3. School speech services are free if your child qualifies. Early Start therapy may be billed to Medi-Cal or your health insurance. Find free help.
Medi-Cal covers medically necessary speech therapy for children. Private plans differ, so call the number on your insurance card and ask about pediatric speech therapy. Find free help.
Not for Early Start or the school district: you can contact them yourself. Medi-Cal and many insurance plans may ask for a referral from your child’s doctor. Find free help.
Many 2-year-olds put two words together, like “more milk.” If your child doesn’t yet, it’s a good time to ask Early Start for a free evaluation. You don’t need to wait and see. Find free help.
No. It gives you short activities to practice together at home. A speech therapist evaluates your child and plans the therapy. See how the app works.
Speech Blubs is available in English and Spanish, plus 11 more languages. You can switch the language in the app menu. See how the app works.
Speech Blubs is a subscription. You’ll see the current price and any trial in the quiz before you pay. Choose your child’s age.
Start with the quiz to learn about the app for your child.
In the Tower District, help with your child’s speech can start with one phone call. Ted C. Wills Community Center and a library on West Dakota Avenue give you places to talk and play.
Ted C. Wills Community Center is in the Tower District, at 770 North San Pablo Avenue. Ask the center what is on for young children. Before you go, let your child pack one thing to bring, like a ball or a snack. When you arrive, name it together: “ball is here.” After the visit, ask what they liked best.
The Tower District has homes, businesses and cultural places close together. A short walk gives you lots to talk about. Pick one thing to notice, like a colorful door or a big sign. Point and say two words, like “red door.” Then wait. If your child points to something else, that’s a turn too.
Source: City of Fresno — Tower District Specific Plan Update draft EIR, August 2025
Gillis Branch Library is northwest of the district, at 629 West Dakota Avenue. Roeding Park, a big city park, is to the west. Pick one stop for the day, not both. At the library, choose a book your child likes and read it again and again. Pause before a word your child knows well. Wait a few seconds and let them fill it in.
Source: City of Fresno — Tower District Specific Plan Update draft EIR, August 2025, Fresno County Public Library — Branch Locations & Hours
Your child’s age decides the first call. Under 3, it’s Early Start, California’s program for babies and toddlers up to 36 months. In Fresno County, Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) runs it. Call and ask for an evaluation. It’s free, and you can call yourself.
From age 3, ask your public school district for a free speech evaluation in writing. Your district depends on your home address. In Fresno Unified, the special education office can help: 559-457-3220.
We last checked these details in October 2026.
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