Individuals with developmental disabilities meet the admissions criteria for regional center services. Additionally, a child may be eligible under Early Start or Provisional Eligibility.
What is a Developmental Disability?
A developmental disability is a disability that occurs before the age of 18, is expected to continue indefinitely and presents a substantial disability. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Also included are disabling conditions closely related to intellectual disability or requiring similar treatment — as defined in the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Section 4512 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code).
What is Early Start Admissions?
Infant and toddlers who are at risk of having developmental disabilities or who have a developmental delay may qualify for regional center services. The criteria for determining the eligibility of an infant and toddler is specified in Section 95014 of the California Government Code. An infant or toddler must present a developmental delay in one or more of the following five areas: cognitive development; physical and motor development, including vision and hearing; communication development; social or emotional development; or adaptive development.
Once admission is determined, you are notified of your eligibility by letter within 10 days after the determination is made. Any applicant who is not eligible for ongoing regional center services will be informed of his/her appeal rights and the fair hearing process. SG/PRC will also provide information for other appropriate resources.
For information about these services, see Early Start.
What is Provisional Eligibility
Welfare and Institutions Code section 4512 was amended in July 2021 to expand eligibility for Lanterman Act Services for children who are three or four years of age. For a child to be eligible under provisional eligibility, the child is not required to have one of the developmental disabilities listed in W&I section 4512 (a)(1). Additionally, the disability cannot be solely physical in nature, and the child has significant functional limitations in at least two of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction — as determined by regional center and as appropriate to the age of the child.
The Admissions and Assessment process begins by calling our receptionist at (909) 620-7722. The receptionist will connect you with a Referral Specialist.