The lead administrative agency for Early Start in California is the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), which implements services through the Regional Centers.  The two Regional Centers that we interact with in the Ventura County SELPA are the Tri-Counties Regional Center (serving residents of Ventura County) and the North Los Angeles County Regional Center (residents of Los Angeles County).

The Early Start Service Coordinator and family use assessment information to develop a plan to assist the family in meeting their child's needs, called an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).  (Click here for IFSP Forms)

The public schools are required by law to collaborate with the Regional Centers to provide services to a limited number of Early Start eligible children.  In the Ventura County SELPA, the program is operated by four local school districts, which operate as regional providers for all other districts in their area:

The public schools also provide ONLY special education services to a limited number of children also served by the Regional Center.  School-Based Early Start Services    (Spanish)

The majority of children eligible for services under Early Start are served by the Regional Center alone.

The publicly-funded agency to provide information and support for families in the Early Start program is the Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center, (800) 332-3679.

Additional information and resources:
Click on the underlined title to view any of these documents.  If you prefer to order a hard copy please see our order form for prices.  

 

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IFSP Forms