As you begin the admissions process, an Admissions Coordinator will be assigned to you within 15 working days. They will support you through the admissions and assessment process which involves gathering of information to meet admission criteria for regional center services. A multidisciplinary team — a team of regional center professionals such as a physician, nurse, psychologist, physical therapist, speech therapist, behavior analyst, and assessment counselor — will assist you should additional assessments to meet the admissions criteria be required.
Timelines
Early Start Admissions and Assessment Process (children under 3 years old)
is completed within 45 days.
Lanterman Admissions and Assessment Process (individuals over the age of 3)
is completed within 120 days.
Early Start Eligibility
Admissions and Assessment Process for Children Ages 0 to 36 Months
The Early Start program is California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Families whose infants or toddlers have developmental delay or disabilities, or are at risk for developmental delay or disabilities, may qualify for early intervention services via the Early Start program. Assessments may include psychological, medical, developmental evaluations and other evaluations, if necessary.
After the initial call, within 45-days the regional center will assign a service coordinator to assist the family navigate through regional center services. The service coordinator will assist the family to develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). This document focuses on the strengths, and needs of the infant or toddler, parental concerns, and early intervention services. Early intervention services can take place in the family home or other community settings.
You are notified of your admission 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 and will also be referred to other appropriate resources.
Additional Early Start Resources
California Early Start Neighborhood
Early Start Program FAQs for Parents and Providers (PDF)
Lanterman Act Admissions and Assessment
Admissions and Assessment Process for Ages 3 and Older
Children over the age of 3 and adults with developmental disabilities are eligible for regional center services. A developmental disability is defined in the State of California (WIC 4512(a)) as a disability that originates before the age of 18, is substantially disabling for an individual, and is expected to continue indefinitely. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Also included are disabling conditions closely related to intellectual disability or requiring similar treatment.
Admission determinations are made by a team of regional center professionals such as a physician, nurse, psychologist, physical therapist, speech therapist, behavior analyst, and assessment counselor.
A child between the ages of 3 and 4 years old who does not present a diagnosis of intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism; or disabling condition closely related to intellectual disability or requiring similar treatment, can also be assessed to determine admission under provisional eligibility. The disability cannot be solely physical in nature and the child must have 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. For children found eligible under provisional eligibility, a reassessment for continued eligibility will be required prior to the child’s 5th birthday.
When a child or adult is eligible for regional center services, a letter notification is sent 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 and can referred to other appropriate resources.
The Admissions and Assessment process begins by calling our receptionist at (909) 620-7722. The receptionist will connect you with a Referral Specialist.