What are the different parts of an IPP?

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) launched a new Individual Program Plan (IPP) template on January 1, 2025.

All IPPs under the new format must include these sections:

• Introduction (your child’s strengths and key information)
• How This Plan Was Developed (details of the meeting itself)
• Vision for the Future (short-term and long-term goals for your child)
• Communication (how your child prefers to communicate)
• Decision-Making (people who help your child make decisions and to what extent)
• Life Areas (categories for your child’s goals and the supports they need to accomplish those goals; at least one but no upper limit)
• Emergency Planning (how to keep your child safe and healthy during an emergency, plus emergency contact information)
• Services and Supports (who/what/where/when/how information about all your child’s services from generic resources and Regional Center)
• Agreement of Services (where you note your agreement or disagreement to the services offered)
• Acknowledgments (a review of your rights and other resources that can help you)
• Signatures (signed by you/the child’s legal guardian and your service coordinator)

For more information and resources on IPPs, see our full article Updates to Regional Center Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) and our step-by-step guide to your first IPP meeting.