EARLY START
Family Rights and Responsibilities
Parents who participate in the early start prevention program will receive information about their rights and responsibilities at the time of the initial IFSP meeting. This information is provided in the "Parents Rights in Early Start Handbook" developed by the State Department of Developmental Services.
High Risk - Infant
A high-risk infant is a child who is less than 36 months of age whose genetic, medical, or environmental history is predictive of a
substantially greater risk for developmental disability than that for
the general population.
An infant who is, or who is at risk for becoming developmentally disabled, is eligible for the early start prevention program.
First Contact
To arrange for refer an assessment, a parent or other interested person, must call:
1- 800-404-5900 - Santa Clara County
1- 831-728-1781 - Santa Cruz County
1- 408-846-8805 - Santa Benito County
1- 831-759-7500 - Monterey County
Assessment
Assessment includes a review of a child's motor skills, communication and learning abilities, social interaction and emotional development. A vision and hearing screening and medical information is critical to determine if a child is at risk for having a developmental disability and is eligible for early start services.
Assessments are conducted and eligibility is jointly determined by the Local Education Agency (LEA) and San Andreas Regional Center. These agencies are the primary funding sources for early start services.
Joint Agency Consent
Parents will be asked to sign a joint agency release of information / consent form. This form is used to secure medical and developmental records, conduct assessment and share the information with others who will assist the child and family.
Individual and Family Service Plan
An Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed once eligibility is determined. The plan consists of goals objectives and services jointly agreed upon by the parents and the primary service agency. All parties will be given a copy of the plan. An IFSP meeting must be convened within 45 days of the initial referral. The IFSP will be reviewed with the family every six months.
Primary Service Agency
The child and family will be assessed for eligibility and services first with the LEA. When the LEA has reached their capacity, then San Andreas will contract with the LEA or other providers to deliver other early start services.
San Andreas will always be present at an IFSP meeting to participate in service planning and collaboration.
Early Start Services
Early Start Services may include the following services:
- Assistive technology.
- Hearing services.
- Family training and home visits.
- Health and medical services.
- Service coordination.
- Special instruction.
- Occupational and Physical Therapy.
- Speech and language service.
- Transportation.
- Vision services.
Transition Services
Three to six months prior to the child's third birthday, the LEA, San Andreas, service providers and family will meet to develop a transition plan. This plan must address eligibility for preschool services in the community or through the LEA and must also address ongoing eligibility for Regional Center services. If preschool is through the LEA, the child must receive an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Transitional services must be completed by the child's third birthday.
