Early Intervention Services

Assisting Families and Children

Overview
Wesley and Landon are off to preschool!

Early Intervention is not a cure for disabilities or risk conditions. Rather, it is a system of coordinated services that promotes the child’s growth and development and supports families during the critical early years. 

Early Intervention Services are:

  • Are designed to meet the developmental needs of each eligible child and the needs of the family related to enhancing the child’s development;
  • Are selected in collaboration with the parents;

We want to keep your family healthy while promoting your child’s development during the COVID -19 public health emergency.

ACRC is offering early intervention services remotely using a phone, tablet or computer! Click Remote Services Intro Letter for more information.

Three years ago our family was blessed with the birth of our sons Wesley and Landon.  Born too early at 23 weeks, their early survival was nothing short of a miracle.  After 5 long months in the NICU, surgeries and countless hours of dedicated therapy, today we are the proud parents of preschoolers!  With the loving prayers of friends and family, and with the amazing team of medical and teaching professionals, our dream of raising a family came true.  Thank you for helping our family become whole, for the dedication and hard work, and for being a part of our family

Are provided by qualified personnel which could include

  • Audiologist
  • Family therapists
  • Nurses
  • Nutritionists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Orientation and mobility specialists
  • Pediatricians and other physicians
  • Physical therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Special educators
  • Speech and language pathologists

Types of services could include

  • Assistive technology devices and services
  • Audiology
  • Family training, counseling and home visits
  • Health services
  • Medical services (only for diagnostic or evaluation purposes)
  • Nursing services
  • Nutrition services
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychological services
  • Service coordination
  • Social work services
  • Special instruction (eg. infant development program)
  • Speech & language services
  • Transportation services
  • Vision services

What are Early Intervention Services

Early intervention services are designed to enhance a child’s development during the first few years of life.  It is also intended to support families and caregivers in developing competence and confidence to help their child learn and grow.

Parents know their children better than anyone

Parents often have questions about their child’s development:

  • Is it normal that my baby isn’t turning over yet?
  • Why doesn’t my daughter make eye contact with me?
  • Why can’t anyone understand what my son is saying?
  • Why can’t my child do the same things that other children his age do?

Every child is different. They all grow and change at different rates. But some children may experience developmental delays. Research shows that the earlier a child receives intervention, the more successful the outcome will be. Early Start aims to provide services and support to children with developmental delays as soon as possible so that these children can reach their full potential.

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Early Intervention: Rights and Protections

For Families with Children under 36 months

Early intervention services, provided through the California Early Start Program, to eligible children and families are federally mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and in California by S.B. 1085, the California Early Intervention Services Act.

In Early Start, parents have rights and protections to resolve disagreements related to Early Start services or allegations that a federal or state statute or regulation has been violated.The following procedures are only for children under the age of three years.

As a parent, guardian, or surrogate parent you have the right to:

  1. request a mediation conference and/or a due process hearing any time a regional center or LEA proposes or refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, assessment, placement, and/or provision of appropriate early intervention service(s);
  2. be informed of your right to file a complaint; and
  3. file a complaint if you believe there has been a violation of any law governing early intervention services under Early Start.
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The Early Start Intake Process

What happens after you are referred?

If you suspect that an infant or toddler has a developmental delay or atypical development then it is important to make a screen and make a referral (evalúe y refiera).

The first step in determining eligibility for the Early Start program is to call the the Early Intervention Intake line at (916) 978-6249 to speak to one of the coordinators. Referrals can be made by a parent, health or education provider, child care or social service provider or a staff person from the NICU or hospital just to name a few.

You will be assigned a Service Coordinator who will help you through the intake process.  It begins with the parent or legal representative providing written consent for evaluation and assessment of the child’s development.

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The Individualized Family Service Plan

Planning for your Family's Success

The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is the foundation of services that are family-centered. It is based on the child’s strengths and family concerns and priorities for the child. Parents are to actively participate in the process of assessment and planning by gathering information about medical and developmental history and by sharing observations about the child’s strengths, talents, preferences and difficulties.

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Early Intervention Mandated Services

Early intervention services are described in federal regulations for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), (Section 303.13 and 303.13) which follow.