Early Start – Birth to 3 Years

Eligibility (0–3 Years of Age)

As of January 1, 2015, the State of California revised the eligibility criteria for children. Regional Centers are now able to serve a child with two or more High Risk Factors and/or children with at least a 33% delay in one area, regardless of their age.

Current eligibility language: Early Start Eligibility (PDF) — birth to 2 years, 9 months for assessment.

Not sure if you should refer for an Early Start assessment? Please see the resources below:

Family Rights and Responsibilities

Parents who participate in the Early Start program will receive information about their rights and responsibilities at the time of the initial IFSP meeting. This information is provided in the “Parents Rights in Early Start Handbook” developed by the State. Learn more: Department of Developmental Services.

First Contact

San Andreas Regional Center contracts with service providers to conduct the Early Start assessments.

I Can Too! — Monterey County

Call: 1-831-443-1279

STARS Infant Development — Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties

Call 1-844-701-9889 or visit STARS Assessment Request

Assessment

Assessment includes a review of a child’s motor, communication, self-help/adaptive, social-emotional, and cognitive development. A vision and hearing screening and medical information is critical to determine if a child is at risk for having a developmental disability and is eligible for Early Start services. Assessment, eligibility, and IFSP are conducted within 45 days of initial contact.

Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)

An IFSP is developed once eligibility is determined. The plan consists of goals, objectives, and services jointly agreed upon by the IFSP team. All parties will be given a copy of the plan. The IFSP will be reviewed with the family every six months.

Primary Service Agency

Early Intervention services that are needed for each eligible infant/toddler are purchased or arranged by the Local Education Agency (LEA), which may be the local school district or San Andreas Regional Center. The LEA will be discussed at your IFSP.

Family Resource Centers (FRC)

The Family Resource Center is available to provide support. Early Start Family Resource Centers (ESFRC) provide parent-to-parent support, outreach, information, and referral services to families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them. All ESFRCs serve families of children birth to three, and many have enhanced funding which allows them to serve families of children over the age of three and individuals with developmental disabilities.

FRC Brochures

Local FRCs Serving SARC’s Area

Early Start Services

Early Start Services may include the following:

  • Assistive technology
  • Hearing services
  • Family training and home visits
  • Health and medical services
  • Service coordination
  • Special instruction
  • Occupational and physical therapy
  • Speech and language services
  • Transportation
  • Vision services

Transition Services

Transition to Part B (School District Services) may occur as early as 9 months or must occur no later than 33 months (90 days) before the child’s 3rd birthday. San Andreas Regional Center and/or the Local Education Agency (LEA) and family will meet with the School District of residence to discuss transition planning — 34 CFR § 303.209(c)(1). Once a child is determined eligible for Early Start, there is no cost for evaluation, assessment, and service coordination. Public or private insurance is accessed for medically necessary services, speech and language, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. IFSP-agreed required services that are not covered by insurance will be purchased and provided by the regional center or LEA. In addition to accessing insurance, an Annual Family Program Fee (AFPF) may be assessed in some circumstances.

Resources for Families — Early Start Neighborhood