FAQ’s – California ’s Early Start Services
What is Early Start? Early Start is California’s system of early intervention services provided to infants and toddlers (0 to 36 months) with developmental delays, high risk factors or developmental disabilities and their families. It is a multiagency effort by the Department of Developmental Services and the California Department of Education that encourages partnerships and coordination between professionals in order to help families’ access early intervention services and other family support(s). The statewide system of early intervention services is available throughout California and can be accessed through regional centers for developmental disabilities, county offices of education, local school districts, health or social service agencies, and family resource centers/networks in your community.
Federal Law Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Part C
California’s Early S tart system of early intervention services was enhanced in response to federal legislation authorizing states to maintain and implement statewide interagency systems of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities was enacted in 1986 and reauthorized in 2004 and 2011 under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA; 20 U.S.C., §1431 et seq.). Federal regulations are found in 34 CFR, Part 303.1-303.654.
State Law California Early Intervention Services Act
After six years of state and local interagency planning and coordination, the State Legislature passed the California Early Intervention Services Act in 1993 (CEISA; 14 G.C., §95000 et seq.). CEISA established state authority to expand California’s early intervention service system to meet federal requirements. The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), as the Part C lead agency, plans, develops, implements, and monitors the statewide early intervention service system in collaboration with the California Department of Education (CDE) and with advice and assistance from the State Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) on Early Intervention. The Departments of Health Care, Public Health, Social Services, Mental Health, and Alcohol and Drug Programs cooperate and coordinate with DDS and CDE in the delivery of services to children under the age of 3 and their families. What happens once an infant or toddler is referred to Early Start? Within 45 days of receipt of referral, the regional center will complete evaluations and assessments, including receipt and review of other records to determine eligibility. Regional centers may not extend the 45-day-timeline unless there are exceptional circumstances and the family is requesting to extend the timeline and/or written consent to evaluate and assess has not been provided. Who is eligible for Early Start? After evaluations and assessments, including review or other records the Early Start Eligibility Staffing Team will recommend eligibility based on one of the following criteria:
25 % Developmental Delay in at least ONE or more area of development:
High Risk Condition :
Established Risk Condition:
Two or more medical factors that place them at risk for a development disability such as: Prematurity of < 32 weeks gestation and/or low birth weight Assisted ventilation of >48 hours during the first 28 days of life. Prenatal substance exposure Or an infant or toddler born to a parent with a developmental disability
Children born with a condition with a known probability of causing a disability or delay such as:
Physical - large and small movements, including vision and hearing. Communication - pre-speech and language Cognitive - thinking and problem- solving Social-Emotional - emotions, interacting with others Adaptive - daily activities, ie, eating and getting dressed
Down syndrome or cerebral palsy
Supporting people with developmental disabilities in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys since 1974
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