Frequently Asked Questions

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Who May Participate in Early Intervention?

Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be eligible for and benefit from early Intervention services if one of the following factors is present...

Significant developmental delay in one or more of these areas:

  • cognitive development, e.g. limited interest in environment, limited interest in play and learning
  • physical and motor development
  • communication development, e.g. limited sound repertoire, limited responses to communication to others
  • emotional-social development, e.g. unusual responses to interactions, impaired attachment, self-injurious behavior
  • adaptive development, e.g. feeding difficulties

    Established risk conditions of known etiology or those conditions expected to result in significant developmental problems such as:

  • Chromosomal disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Inborn errors of metabolism
  • Visual and hearing impairments

    At high risk for having a developmental disability due to a combination of biomedical risk factors, as determined by a multidisciplinary team.

    • What Agencies provide Early Intervention?

    The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the lead agency for California's Early Start program. Its website contains information about Early Start, including:

  • the regional center and family resource center/network in each county
  • parents' rights
  • information about and links to the federal and state statutes that govern Early Start
  • information regarding dispute resolution processes for children birth to age 3 (36 months)
  • links to other useful, informative sites

    San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) is a community-based California state funded program designed to serve persons with developmental disabilities, including children and families who are eligible for the Early Start program, the state early intervention program for children 0-3 (36 months). It is a private, non-profit corporation under contract for provision of services through the California Department of Developmental Services. SARC serves Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. Some Early Start services are provided under SARC through vendored private programs.

    The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) website includes district and school information for Santa Clara County, a link to DataQuest (California Department of Education School Data, and legislative updates. In Santa Clara County San Andreas Regional Center has contracted with SCCOE to provide Early Start intake and evaluation. SCCOE also provides services to some Early Start families.

    • How can I find childcare/daycare for my child with special needs?

    Any of the resources listed below will be able to assist you in locating childcare or daycare services for children with special needs.
    California Child Care Council
    Palo Alto Community Child Care
    FIRST 5 Santa Clara County
    Sunnyvale Family Child Care Network

    How can I find information on resources and organizations in my county or state?

    Contact NICHCY (National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities), which serves the nation as a central source of information on the following topics:

    • Disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth
    • IDEA, which is the law authorizing special education
    • No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities)
    • Research-based information on effective educational practices
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