Early Start at ELARC

Early Start Eligibility Criteria parents-and-baby-on-beach.jpg

Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months may be eligible for Early Start services if, through documented evaluation and assessment, they meet one of the criteria listed below:

Note: High Risk for developmental disability also exists when a multidisciplinary team determines that the parent of an infant or toddler is a person with a developmental disability and the infant or toddler requires early start services based on evaluation and assessment.

Intake Process

In order to determine your child’s eligibility, ELARC will conduct a comprehensive intake process including evaluation of your child’s developmental level and a review of available medical records/history. The Early Start Program Application  contains the forms required for ELARC to initiate the intake process. Upon submitting a completed Early Start Program Application, an Early Start Coordinator or support staff will contact you to schedule an intake appointment.

After Application is Submitted

Within 45-days of receiving an Early Start Application/referral, ELARC will take the following steps:

  1. Assign a service coordinator to assist the family through evaluation and assessment procedures.
  2. Schedule and complete evaluations and assessments for the child's development to assist in determining Early Start eligibility.
  3. If an infant or toddler is eligible for Early Start services, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed that addresses the strengths and needs of the infant or toddler, parent concerns, and identifies required Early Start services.
  4. If an infant or toddler is not eligible for Early Start services, the parents will be notified and informed of any recommendations.

Early Start Services

Early Start services are designed to enable you to better address your child's unique needs. YOU are the most important person in your child's life and the relationship between parent and child is an important focus of Early Intervention. Your Early Start service providers will provide ideas and support so that you can help your child learn the skills that you think are most important. (Adapted from "Take A Minute" campaign). View "Take a Minute: Relationships Matter flyer(PDF, 2MB)" and in Spanish, "Tómate un Minuto(PDF, 222KB)".

An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) shall be developed for providing required Early Start services based on the child’s assessed developmental needs as well as the family’s concerns and priorities. Regional centers shall provide, arrange, or purchase required Early Start services, as identified in the child’s IFSP. Families are required to use their private insurance or health service plan for medical services identified in the IFSP, other than for evaluation and assessment, in compliance with applicable federal and state law and regulation (Government Code Section 95004).

Parent-to-parent support and resource information may also be available through Early Start Family Resource Centers. View more information regarding Family Resource Centers in California. Contact the FRC at (626) 300-9171 for more information about available services and hours of operation. Visit the ELARC Family Resource Center page for more information.

Based on the child's assessed developmental needs and the families concerns and priorities as determined by each child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, Early Start services may include:

  • Assistive technology
  • Audiology
  • Family training, counseling, and home visits
  • Health services
  • Medical services for diagnostic/evaluation purposes only
  • Nursing services
  • Nutrition services
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychological services
  • Service coordination (case management)
  • Social work services
  • Special instruction
  • Speech and language services
  • Transportation and related costs
  • Vision services
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