Early Start materials produced by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to educate families just entering Early Start are available here. Publications explain processes and procedural safeguards in family-friendly language.
Starting Out Together
A question and answer format summarizes the research supporting early intervention for infants and toddlers with a disability. The booklet also provides information on the key points of how the Early Start system works, such as eligibility, referral and the child’s service plan.
Download: Starting Out Together
Parents’ Rights: An Early Start Guide for Families
Early Start is governed by both federal and state statutes and regulations. This booklet provides in-depth information to parents and other interested parties about procedural safeguards available to ensure services are provided in a manner appropriate to the child’s needs and the concerns of the family. Federal and state citations accompany the information to allow the reader to refer to specific language found in the law. Two-page masters are also available in all languages.
Download: Parents’ Rights: An Early Start Guide for Families
Parents’ Rights, 2-page summary
Two-page download provides summary information to parents and other interested parties about procedural safeguards available to ensure services are provided in a manner appropriate to the child’s needs and the concerns of the family.
Download: Parents’ Rights, 2-page summary
Story of Max
Brief, animated videos that show the California Early Start system through the lens of a family. Videos are available in English and Spanish, with and without captioning and audio description.