Agency Age Eligibility Services Referral Timeline for Services Regional Centers: California Early Start Website: Ages 0-3 Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be eligible for early intervention services if through documented evaluation and assessment they meet one of the criteria listed: Developmental Delay Established risk conditions that could lead to developmental delay High risk conditions that could lead to a developmental delay For documentation outlining 2015 changes to Early Start eligibility see:: Services may include, but are not limited to: Assistive technology (devices and services) Audiology services Family training, counseling, and home visits Health services necessary to enable the infant or toddler to benefit from other early intervention services Medical services necessary for diagnostic/evaluation Nursing services Nutrition services Occupational therapy Physical therapy Psychological services Respite service Service coordination services Social work services Special instruction services Speech and language services Transportation and related costs Vision services Referrals are to be made within 2 working days after a child has been identified (Part C, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Ask for the Early Start Coordinator. Referral is complete with a phone call with the name of the child and contact information. For Early Start, or third party-referrals are accepted. Upon referral a service coordinator is assigned. Within 45 days of referral an evaluation for eligibility is completed, an assessment is conducted, and a meeting will is held to develop the IFSP to initiate services. Services are to be provided in a timely manner. In the State of CA, that is defined as within 45 days of the IFSP meeting (i.e., service plan developed within 45 days of IFSP meeting). 90 days total from referral to delivery of service. Regional Centers Website: Ages 3+ Individuals with developmental disabilities (including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and other conditions which are related to intellectual A wide variety of services available may include the above list, and: In-home respite care Out-of-home respite Day camp, summer camp Behavior management Diapers Referrals are made by the family. Referral is complete with a phone call with the name of the child and contact information. Upon referral, individual will go through intake by intake worker; then, if appropriate will be assessed by an assessment worker, within 15 working days of the applicant’s first
disability or require treatment similar to that of intellectual disability) The disability began prior to age 18 The disability is likely to continue indefinitely Constitute a "substantial disability" for the individual as defined by of the California Code of Regulations Regional Centers also some genetic and counseling services to individuals at high risk of giving birth to a child with a developmental disability Residential care Parent training and behavior modification Adult day services Transportation Adaptive equipment Supported living services 3rd party referrals are not accepted. contact with the worker. Assessment is then to take place within 120 days of completion of initial intake. Within 60 days after the assessment has been completed and the individual determined eligible, an initial IPP must be developed. School District, Local Education Authority (LEA) or Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), California Start Website: Ages 0-3 Responsible for children with a solely low incidence disability which includes visual, hearing, severe orthopedic impairment, or any combination thereof Services may include: Parent education, coaching and support Home-based Services (birth -36 months) Parent-Infant play group Center–based toddler classes for children with hearing loss Sign language instruction Listening, language and speech therapy Physical therapy services Assistance in accessing appropriate community services Transition to preschool services Referrals are made to Regional Center. Children with a sole low incidence are referred to School District Upon referral a service coordinator is assigned. Within 45 days of referral an evaluation for eligibility is completed, an assessment is conducted, and a meeting will be held to develop the IFSP to initiate services
School District, Local Education Authority (LEA) or Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Website: Ages 3+ Defined as having a disability: Autism Deaf-blindness Deafness Emotional Disturbance Hearing Impairment Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Orthopedic Impairment Other Health Impairment Specific Learning Disabilities Speech & Language Impairment Traumatic Brain Injury Visual Impairment Established Medical Disability Mandated to provide special education and related services. Related services can include: Audiology Assistive technology Counseling Early identification Medical services (related to identifying Occupational therapy Parent counseling & training Physical therapy Psychological services Recreation School health services Social work services Speech pathology Transportation The referral should include detailed letter with information about suspected area of disability, and signed permission from family for an assessment. 15 days from receipt of referral must develop an assessment plan. Families must sign and return the assessment plan in order for the assessment (and timeline) to proceed. Have 60 days from consent for assessment to complete assessments and conduct IEP meeting. Must assess in all areas related to the suspected disability. County Mental Health, California Department of Health Care Services Ages 0-21 Medi-Cal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis,and Treatment (EPSDT) mental health services are available to children birth to 21 covered by full-scope Medi-Cal. EPSDT Therapeutic Behavior Series are available to children covered by Medi-Cal who have severe emotional problems, live in a mental health placement, or are at risk of placement, or have been hospitalized recently for mental health problems. Some services may include: Individual, group therapy Family therapy Crisis counseling Case management Special day programs Medications for mental health One-to-one assistance for behavior/impulse control interventions, communication skills interventions, and enhanced community functioning, as many hours per day as needed See other services under Regional Centers and School Districts* Referrals are made by the family and/or physician See other referral information under Regional Centers and School District*
California Children’s Services Website: Ages 0-21 Open to children under the age of 21 who have a serious medical condition that is eligible for care under CCS, and whose family income is less than $40,000/yr or whose out-of-pocket medical expenses for the eligible child will exceed 20% of income. Income limits do not apply for children who: need diagnostic services to confirm a CCS eligible medical condition; or who were adopted with a known CCS eligible medical condition; or who are applying only for services through the Medical Therapy Program; or who have Medi-Cal full scope, no share of cost If the child has a special health problem that is covered by CCS, then CCS may pay for or help with: Doctor visits and care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy and occupational therapy, tests, X-rays, medical equipment, and medical supplies Medical case management to help get special doctors and to refer you to other agencies, such as public health nursing and regional centers Medical Therapy Program, which provides physical therapy and/or occupational therapy in public school Diagnostic evaluations for eligible children suspected of having one of the CCS eligible medical conditions Referrals are made by the child’s physician. The referral is complete when the following information is received (captured in CCS Referral Form and relevant medical reports): Family and child identifying information Insurance information Name and address of individual or agency requesting services Diagnosis Statement of services requested Detailed, relevant medical reports Medical eligibility is determined within 5 days of receipt of complete referral and medical reports. If eligible, family receives program application form. Full application process is generally completed within 60 days after receipt of a complete referral (60 days does not correspond to a particular timeline requirement) * On June 30, 2011, Assembly Bill 114, Chapter 43, Statutes of 2011 (AB 114) was signed into law. AB 114, several sections of Chapter 26.5 of the California Government Code (GC) were amended or rendered inoperative (including AB2632), thereby ending the state mandate on county mental health agencies to provide mental health services to students with disabilities. With the passage of AB 114, it is clear that school districts are now solely responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive special education and related services, including some services previously arranged for or provided by county mental health agencies. More Information: