Children are our most valuable resource. The investment we make in them today will benefit all of California tomorrow. Early intervention services make a difference in the lives of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families.
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, and the California Early Intervention Services Act (CEISA) ensure that infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families receive coordinated services early enough to make a difference. In California, Early Start is the system of early intervention services developed in accordance with IDEA and CEISA to supports and enhances the capability of every family with an infant or toddler with a disability to meet the special developmental needs of their child. The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the state’s lead agency to implement the statutes and regulations of both IDEA Part C and CEISA through the Early Start program.
Through Early Start, California is committed to support infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Based on the needs of the child and family, early intervention services maximize the developmental potential of infants and toddlers with disabilities within the context of their daily routines and activities, increasing their potential to live independently and exercise their full rights as citizens. The earlier intervention is started, the more likely it is that the educational achievement and quality of life for children with disabilities will be higher.
This Central Directory of California Early Intervention Resources was developed in accordance with federal and state statutes and regulations* to “include information on early intervention services, resources, and experts available in the state…” [20 United States Code 1435 Section 635(a)(7); 34 Code of Federal Regulations Section 303.117; CEISA Section 95022(a)]. The “Central Directory” is a product of DDS, produced and maintained through a contract with the California Early Intervention Technical Assistance Network at WestEd Center for Prevention & Early Intervention.