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California Regional Centers:
How We Help Families

McGowan Advocacy Group supports parents in navigating California’s Regional Center system so children with disabilities receive the services they need to grow, learn, and thrive at home and in the community.

What Are California Regional Centers?

California Regional Centers are nonprofit agencies contracted by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate evaluation, eligibility, and lifelong services for individuals with qualifying developmental disabilities. Services are individualized and delivered through two key pathways:

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  • Early Start (Birth–Age 3) – Early intervention under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or established risk conditions. Families work with the Regional Center to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

  • Lanterman Act (Age 3 and up) – Ongoing services and supports for individuals who meet California’s statutory criteria for a developmental disability. Services are guided by an Individual Program Plan (IPP).

 

Our role is to help you understand eligibility, prepare strong documentation, participate effectively in meetings, and secure the right services at the right time.

Early Start (Birth–3): Early Intervention Services

Early Start focuses on supporting your child’s development during a critical window of growth, while coaching families to embed strategies in everyday routines.

 

Common Early Start Services

  • Developmental assessments and periodic re-evaluations

  • Service coordination

  • Infant development program / specialized instruction

  • Speech and language therapy

  • Occupational and physical therapy

  • Feeding and swallowing supports

  • Assistive technology and adaptive equipment

  • Family training and counseling

  • Respite and nursing services (as appropriate)

 

Eligibility (0–3)

  • Documented developmental delay in one or more domains (communication, cognition, social-emotional, adaptive, physical), or

  • Established risk due to a diagnosed physical or mental condition with a high probability of developmental delay, or

  • High risk based on specific biological or environmental factors identified by Early Start policy.

 

How We Help for 0–3

  • Clarify eligibility standards and timelines

  • Organize medical, therapy, and developmental documentation

  • Prepare families for the intake and assessment process

  • Attend IFSP meetings and align goals with family priorities

  • Advocate for appropriate service frequency, intensity, and setting

  • Coordinate with health insurance, the school district (Part C to Part B transition), and other systems like IHSS

  • Monitor progress and request adjustments as your child’s needs change

Over Age 3: Lanterman Act Services and Supports

At age 3, services transition from Early Start to eligibility under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. If your child meets criteria for a qualifying developmental disability, Regional Centers provide person-centered planning and purchase services to support meaningful participation in home, school, and community life.

 

Qualifying Developmental Disabilities (examples)

  • Intellectual disability

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Epilepsy

  • Conditions closely related to intellectual disability or requiring similar treatment (as defined by law and policy)

 

Common Services (3+)

  • Service coordination and case management

  • Behavioral services (including ABA as appropriate)

  • Social skills and counseling supports

  • Respite and in-home supports

  • Assistive technology and augmentative/alternative communication (AAC)

  • Transportation and community integration programs

  • Independent living skills and adaptive skills training

  • Nursing and health-related supports when needed

  • Social–recreational and camp supports (subject to policy and availability)

 

How We Help for 3+

  • Review assessment results and eligibility determinations

  • Prepare for and participate in IPP planning meetings

  • Align goals with educational IEPs and medical/therapy plans

  • Advocate for appropriate services, hours, and vendor options

  • Coordinate with school district services, private insurance, and IHSS/Protective Supervision

  • Provide representation in informal meetings, mediation, or fair hearings when disagreements arise

IHSS Appeals for Children’s Cases

Many families experience denials or reductions in IHSS hours despite their child’s clear need for support. These decisions can be appealed, and with the right preparation, many families are able to secure the benefits their child requires.

 

Our appeal services include:

  • Reviewing denial letters and identifying grounds for appeal

  • Preparing supporting evidence, including medical statements, behavioral documentation, and caregiver testimony

  • Representing families during hearings to ensure their child’s needs are accurately and effectively presented

 

Through the appeals process, we work to restore or increase services so that children receive the full scope of IHSS benefits to which they are entitled.

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