A Public School Education

The primary provider of services for school aged children with developmental disabilities is the publicly funded educational system. Children are entitled to free appropriate public education with non-disabled peers of similar ages. In some situations, the planning team may determine that additional, non-educational services are needed to support a child, and that regional center funding would be appropriate. Such services might include respite, behavioral services, supplemental day care, or another service related to the child’s developmental disability. 

Under Age Three

Services, supports and program options available for children under age three provide education and training for parents or caregivers in such areas as feeding, social adaptive development, positioning and communication. These options are provided through in-home parent education and support programs which are provided in natural environments such as the home. Our Early Start brochure has more information.

Age Three to 4.9 Years

Children with intensive Special Education needs are entitled to a free public education at 3 years of age. Special Education Preschool Programs provided by school districts are designed specifically to meet the unique, intensive needs of individuals whose educational needs cannot be met with modification of the regular instruction program. TCRC will work to support families in the transition to a public school program when the child turns 3. 

Age 4.9 to 18 Years

Public school programs are intended to include, but not be limited to, academic training; pre-vocational and vocational training; speech therapy; occupational therapy and/or physical therapy; transportation services; mobility training; adaptive physical education; counseling services; social skills training; and other designated instructional services as identified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This IEP is reviewed at an annual meeting by the IEP team, which may consist of the parent, your Service Coordinator, your child’s teacher or therapists, public school representative(s) and an advocate (if invited by parents). 

Age 14 to 21 Years

In developing the Individualized Education Program, TCRC will collaborate with the person served, family, school and other community agencies to develop transition goals that will lead the individual to success in employment and/or other adult roles in the community. 

Age 16 to 22 Years

Individuals in this age group are entitled to continue in public education if they have not yet completed their prescribed course of study or have not met proficiency standards. Tri-Counties Regional Center will collaborate with the person, family, school and other community agencies with transition goals that will lead the individual to success in employment and/or other adult roles in the community. 

Camp and Social Recreation

Changes in the law now allow regional centers to fund camping, social recreation, and sometimes educational or non-medical therapy services. The planning team decides if these should be included in the individual’s Individual Program Plan (IPP). If approved and added to the IPP, there is no cost to the individual.

Family Support Services

Family support services are provided to assist the family in residing together. These services may include, but are not limited to:  in-home respite care; behavioral services; in-home nursing care; out-of-home respite care; day care; and/or crisis intervention services. Family support services for school aged children may be provided when:

The individual has behavior challenges, medical care needs or supervision needs that exceed those of children the same age without developmental disabilities.

There are few or no natural supports or services through other publicly funded agencies available to provide necessary supervision during times when the parent(s) are away.

The behavior or medical needs of the child require supervision by a trained professional.

The family is experiencing a short-term crisis or emergency situation.

TCRC may authorize funding for the acquisition of specific adaptive skills when the planning team has determined the skills cannot be taught by the family or by other publicly funded agencies.

Other Publicly Funded Agencies or Programs 

These include local public education agencies, private preschools, public daycare, Head Start, private and/or public transportation services, and para-transit services. Individuals receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) may be eligible for Medi-Cal linked In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provided through the County Department of Social Services. When appropriate, TCRC will assist families to access these services, to provide the family with additional resources to purchase personal care assistance for the child while providing relief to the primary caregiver. IHSS must be exhausted prior to the authorization of regional center funding.

Transportation

As part of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), TCRC may authorize the most cost-effective transportation supports or services for children when parent-provided transportation, including public transit, is unavailable. Such transportation will be authorized only when a parent or adult caregiver accompanies the child. TCRC will not authorize transportation for children who attend Special Education programs or when transportation is required to meet objectives in the Individualized Education Program. Transportation of school age children to school and recreational activities, medical and dental appointments, therapy services and other occasional trips in the community is the responsibility of the parent(s), the primary caregiver(s) or the residential service provider. 

California Children’s Services

California Children’s Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 can get the health care and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care people who know how to care for your child with special health care needs.

The Medical Therapy Program (MTP) is a special program within California Children’s Services that provides physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and medical therapy conference (MTC) services for children who have handicapping conditions, generally due to neurological or musculoskeletal disorders.

Some CCS programs are free. To get the CCS Medical Therapy Program, your child must be under 21 and have a medical problem that CCS covers, and be a resident of California. Anyone such as a parent, teacher, school nurse, or physician can refer a child to CCS.

Residential Options for Children

TCRC believes that people with developmental disabilities should be able to participate in family life. Therefore, a high priority will be placed on supporting children living with their families. When appropriate, certified Foster Family Agencies or licensed residential facilities may be used. These living arrangement services provide an atmosphere that respects an individual’s preferences, values, ethnic differences and beliefs.

Assessment & Educational Services

Various assessments will be done by the school district to determine your child’s strengths and needs. These assessments may include a psychological, health, speech, hearing, and/or language assessment. The assessments required by the school district will be discussed during the transition planning meeting. The results of the assessments and your child’s eligibility for educational services will be determined at the IEP meeting with the school district. The regional center and the school district will share each other’s assessments and information and explain the results to you. You may request copies of your child’s assessments. Assessments may be completed in your home, at a school, or you may be asked to bring your child to an office.

Family Resource Centers

Family Resource Centers work in partnership with regional centers to help meet the needs in their communities. These centers provide a vital network of parent support, including a way for parents to connect with other parents in similar situations. They offer a variety of supports that include information and referral, peer support, home visits and parent education. They also publish regular newsletters and calendars of local support groups and events, with information about clubs, social programs, classes, and other community resources.

Family Resource Centers Offer

Parent-to-parent family support.

Home visits.

Information and referral.

Public awareness.

Parent education.

Support when transitioning to new services or programs.

Prevention Resources and Referral Services (PRRS).

Support families in accessing translation assistance.

Support services available throughout the tri-counties area.

Support in accessing generic resources.

And more.