How Can Regional Center Help My Kid Under Age 3?

At a baseline, the baby and toddler years are a lot, so we understand that it can feel overwhelming to consider applying for Regional Center services. But there are so many potential benefits to acting early—plus, we are here to help demystify the process! Here are six reasons why Regional Center can be beneficial for kids under age 3.

1. The first 3 years are a ripe time for development

Because so many developmental milestones occur during the first three years of life, it’s important to start evaluations and therapies as soon as you have concerns. Regional Center helps fund early intervention therapies for children under age 3 who have been diagnosed with—or are at risk for—developmental delays or developmental disabilities. These services and therapeutic interventions can help kids reach their developmental milestones.

2. Early intervention research shows impact

Research shows that introducing small changes early on in a child’s life can have a big impact on their later development. And according to a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, early intervention services can increase cognitive and adaptive skills in children with disabilities by up to 25%.

3. Funding is mandated for early intervention

Thanks to federal law, every state in America has a system to provide early intervention services free of charge to children between the ages of 0–3 who have been diagnosed with—or are at risk for—developmental delays and disabilities. In California, the early intervention program is called Early Start, and children in California receive early intervention services from Regional Centers.

An important note on funding: While many early intervention services are free to families, some are not. Regional Centers fund services as a “payer of last resort,” which means you need to first go through other funding sources like private health insurance. Ask your Regional Center about what services are free to you and what can be covered through your insurance carrier. In addition to Regional Center, other public benefits such as Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can help cover health care and support for some children under age 3. For more information on funding, be sure to check out How Do We Pay For It All? Undivided’s Guide to Funding Resources.

4. Therapeutic services

Regional Centers are governed by the same set of statutes and regulations, but each Regional Center operates independently, so services offered—as well as eligibility criteria for specific services—may vary. Below are some of the therapeutic services that may be on offer from your Regional Center.

• Occupational therapy, which can help improve motor, cognitive, sensory processing, communication, and play skills.
• Physical therapy, to help with movement and function impaired or threatened by disability, injury, or disease.
• Speech therapy may become available around the ages of 18-24 months for children who demonstrate speech and language delays.
• Feeding therapy may be available to babies and toddlers with identified swallowing or chewing difficulties.
• Infant Development Services (Infant Stimulation) is not typically covered by private insurance companies, so many families receive Infant Stimulation education at home and through Regional Center-based programs even if physical, occupational, and speech therapies are delivered privately.
• Regional Center-led classes and training, including behavior classes and support groups, may be available.
• Funding for conferences or trainings outside of Regional Center may be available.
• Behavioral intervention services may be available for children who need direct services.

5. Medical equipment, formula, and incontinence supplies

If all generic funding resources have been explored and exhausted, a Regional Center might consider providing funding for medically necessary medical equipment, incontinence supplies (e.g., diapers, wipes, barrier creams, underpads, sheet protectors), and formula and/or nutritional supplements.

6. Respite services

Regional Center may fund in-home respite services for the purpose of providing parents with relief from the ongoing care and supervision of their child with developmental disabilities. Because respite services are allocated to the extent that a child’s care needs exceed those of a typically developing child, Regional Centers often place more restrictions on respite care for children participating in early intervention services.

Ready to take the next step? Check out this primer article on when and why to apply to Regional Center, which shares how to find your Regional Center, how funding works, and how to get started with your application.