The Early Start Program and Other Child Services
The Early Start Program and Other Child Services
Join us for a live webinar
This webinar is part of a monthly series hosted by the Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Team. The series explores a wide range of topics, from tools to support school-aged children with disabilities to resources that help adults navigate employment and public benefits. Each session is guided by direct feedback from community partners, ensuring the webinars address the issues they consider most important.
Disclaimer: The following presentation is meant for education only and does not constitute legal advice nor counsel. Your situation may be unique and require careful attention.
Keep in mind that the information in these slides could become out of date, as the laws and local practices relating to these matters are constantly developing.
Note: We may cancel or reschedule workshops based on enrollment levels. We may adjust dates and times to accommodate participant availability and ensure optimal group dynamics.
When:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Pacific Time
This event will also be offered in Spanish on October 8, 2026.
Click here to register for the Spanish event.
About the webinar:
Learn about the Early Start Program – California’s early intervention program – and how it can benefit you and your child (ages 0 to 3)! This presentation also covers the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), which plays an important role in early intervention service planning for your child. The Early Start program is a multi-agency effort managed by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the California Department of Education (DOE).
The Early Start program’s purpose is to improve an eligible child’s development during the first years of life. If your child qualifies for the Early Start Program, then a written plan called the IFSP is developed to identify the services appropriate to meet their needs. You’ll also learn about the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)—a personalized roadmap that outlines the services your child and family will receive.
Presenters:
Mary Rios (she, her ella) is a Senior Specialist at DRC, she has been an advocate for over 25 years. Mary is an individual with a disability her passion is informing and educating people with disabilities about their rights and empowering individuals with disabilities to become self-advocates.
Maricruz Magdaleno works as a Senior Advocate for Disability Rights California for the past 12 years, focusing on areas related to special education, the department rehabilitation and the regional center services.