Services, Delivery, Process & Referrals

What are Early Intervention Services?

Eligible children and their families may receive a variety of early intervention services. Some children and families need many services, while others may need only one or two. Based on your child's developmental needs and your family's concerns, priorities, and resources, services may include (descriptions of these services are available in the Glossary): 

• assistive technology, including devices or services
• audiology or hearing services
• counseling, home visits, and training for your family
• health services necessary for your child to benefit from other early intervention services
• medical services for diagnosis and evaluation only
• nursing services
• nutrition services
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• psychological services
• respite services
• service coordination
• social work services
• special instruction
• speech and language services
• transportation and related costs necessary for your child to receive services
• vision services

For further information see the NBRC procedure manual and contact your NBRC case manager.

How are Services Delivered?

Early intervention services are delivered through county offices of education or school districts, regional centers, and public and private agencies which are all part of California's Early Start Program in your community. While a variety of services are available for children who need them, where and how these services are delivered is determined individually by you and your early intervention team. For example, services may be provided in your home, at a center or agency program with other babies, in child care, or other natural settings. Each of these services may have special advantages for you and your baby, depending on how old your child is, his or her strengths and special needs, and your needs as a family.

How Does It Work?

After referral to the Early Start Program, you should expect to go through several steps. You can participate by providing records and other information about your child to the professional members of the early intervention team. Your written consent is necessary at several of the steps:

• first contacts (with agencies, Family Resource Center, etc.) and information gathering
• evaluation to determine eligibility and assessment to determine service needs
• a planning process for services, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• delivery of services (infant programs, therapies, etc.);
• periodic review of the IFSP and
• transition out of Early Start or to other services at age three

Who Makes Referrals?

A family with an infant or toddler who seems to have delays or may be at risk for delays might be referred by a doctor or other care provider to a county office of education, a local school district, or a regional center for early intervention services. Families might seek early intervention help because they have concerns. You may already understand that delays or disabilities can sometimes be hard to recognize or difficult to identify. 
Once the initial referral is made, you are assigned a service coordinator and the process of evaluation for eligibility takes place. You are entitled by both state and federal law to early intervention services if your child is eligible, including assessment of developmental status and appropriate services. You then meet with your team within 45 days of your referral to the county office of education, school district, or regional center to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Early Start Contents

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