In California, early intervention services are provided to infants and toddlers with disabilities through Early Start. According to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) website, Early Start is a multi-agency effort by the DDS and the California Department of Education that encourages partnerships between families and professionals, family support, and coordination of services. 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. In addition to Regional Center, other public benefits such as Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and the Social Security Administration can also help cover health care and living expenses.
For more information, check out our article The 4 Ws of Early Intervention: WHAT Is Early Intervention and How Is It Funded?
