EARLY START Federal and State Requirements

What Is Early Start Frequently asked Questions Frequently asked Questions Which children are served? What services are provided? How do I access Early Start services? Who provides services? How much does it cost? How do I find out more? Which children are served? What services are provided? How do I access Early Start services? Who provides services? How much does it cost? How do I find out more? Which children are served? What services are provided? How do I access Early Start services? Who provides services? How much does it cost? How do I find out more? Which children are served? What services are provided? How do I access Early Start services? Who provides services? How much does it cost? How do I find out more? Answers.cfm Answers.cfm Answers.cfm Answers.cfm

Which children are served? See California Government Code, Section See California Government Code, Section 95014California Government Code, Section 95014California Government Code, Section –Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be eligible for early intervention services if through documented evaluation and assessment they meet one of the criteria listed below: have a developmental delay in either cognitive, communication, social or emotional, adaptive, or physical and motor development including vision and hearing; or have a developmental delay in either cognitive, communication, social or emotional, adaptive, or physical and motor development including vision and hearing; or have established risk conditions of known etiology, with a high probability of resulting in delayed development; or have established risk conditions of known etiology, with a high probability of resulting in delayed development; or are at high risk of having a substantial developmental disability due to a combination of risk factors. are at high risk of having a substantial developmental disability due to a combination of risk factors.

What services are provided? – –Based on the child's assessed developmental needs and the families concerns and priorities as determined by each child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, early intervention services may include: California Government Code, Section 95014

Cont. – –assistive technology – –audiology – –family training, counseling, and home visits – –health services – –medical services for diagnostic/evaluation purposes only – –nursing services – –nutrition services – –occupational therapy – –physical therapy

Services cont. -psychological services -respite services -service coordination (case management) -social work services -special instruction -speech and language services -transportation and related costs -vision services

Applying for Services After contacting the regional center, a service coordinator will be assigned to help the child's parents through the eligibility determination process. Parent-to-parent support and resource information is also available through Early Start Family Resource Centers. After contacting the regional center, a service coordinator will be assigned to help the child's parents through the eligibility determination process. Parent-to-parent support and resource information is also available through Early Start Family Resource Centers.

What Does the Evaluation Include? An assessment of the child’s motor skills, communication development, learning skills, social interaction, and emotional development. If the child is eligible for Early Start services, early intervention professionals will work with the family to develop a plan that addresses the child's needs, parent's concerns and the resources needed to support the child's development. An assessment of the child’s motor skills, communication development, learning skills, social interaction, and emotional development. If the child is eligible for Early Start services, early intervention professionals will work with the family to develop a plan that addresses the child's needs, parent's concerns and the resources needed to support the child's development.

Will Parents Have To Pay For Services? Early intervention services, including evaluation, assessment and service coordination are provided to eligible infants and toddlers and their families at no cost to the family. Early Start is funded by federal funds (IDEA, Part C) and State General Funds. Other publicly-funded early intervention services may also be utilized. Early intervention services, including evaluation, assessment and service coordination are provided to eligible infants and toddlers and their families at no cost to the family. Early Start is funded by federal funds (IDEA, Part C) and State General Funds. Other publicly-funded early intervention services may also be utilized.

Where To Go For More Information IDEA Part C: IDEA Part C: Complaints and Fair Hearings: Complaints and Fair Hearings: mplt_home.cfm#ES mplt_home.cfm#ESwww.dds.ca.gov/complaints/co mplt_home.cfm#ESwww.dds.ca.gov/complaints/co mplt_home.cfm#ES