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Early Intervention: Accomplish More with Undivided Goals


Published: Oct. 7, 2024Updated: Oct. 29, 2024

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If your child is under age 3 and has a developmental disability, or if you are worried about a developmental delay, you'll want to enroll your child in California's Early Start program. This program can help your child access services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help your child make progress toward their developmental milestones.

The first step is applying to Regional Center, which coordinates services and funding for the Early Start program. Once your child is a Regional Center client, you can enroll them in Medi-Cal, which provides additional funding for medical services, equipment, and supplies for your child's ongoing care. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can be another source of funding for services if your child is eligible.

Accessing early intervention

Add these goals to your child's Roadmap to get started accessing early intervention services.
Public Benefits goal
Apply to Regional Center Early Start
Children under age 3 may be eligible for early intervention services from Regional Center. Learn what the qualifications are and how to apply for your child.
Public Benefits goal
Fund early intervention
Learn what resources are available in California to fund early intervention therapies for children under 3 years old.
Public Benefits goal
Apply for the Medi-Cal waiver (HCBS-DD)
The Medi-Cal waiver allows your child to apply for Medi-Cal without regarding your household income. See our guide to applying.
Public Benefits goal
Apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) after enrolling in Medi-Cal
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) helps fund care and supervision at home for children who need more care than typically developing children of their same age. You can apply for IHSS if your child receives Medi-Cal.

Finding therapists for your child

Whether you use Medi-Cal, private insurance, Regional Center, or a combination of programs to fund your child's early intervention therapies, these goals will help you find therapists to build your child's care team.
Care goal
Find a physical therapist (PT)
If your child's doctor or another professional recommends physical therapy, follow this guide to finding a provider.
Care goal
Find an occupational therapist (OT)
If your child would benefit from occupational therapy, use these tips to help you find a provider.
Care goal
Find a speech-language pathologist (SLP)
Follow these tips to find a speech-language pathologist to work with your child on speech therapy.

Contents


Overview

Accessing early intervention

Finding therapists for your child
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