An Early Intervention Program for Families

This guide contains information about California's new program to help families whose infants or toddlers have, or are "at risk" for, disabilities or developmental delays. It was written by parents who understand raising children with special needs because they've "been there." They've learned how important it can be to talk with someone who can share information, encouragement, frustrations, dreams, and strategies.

As a parent, you are the most influential, consistent adult in your child's life, the first and most important expert. You may have noticed that your child is growing or doing things differently from your other children or from children that you know, or you may have been told by a health care provider or other professional of their concerns about your child's development. However your infant's or toddler's special needs have been identified, starting early to enhance your child's development benefits you, your child, and your community.

• What is Early Start?
  
• Services, Delivery, Process & Referrals
  
• Individualized Family Service Plan
  
• What are the Laws?
  
• What actions can parents take?
  
• What if problems arise?
  
• Description of Terms

Early Start's Family-Centered Guiding Principles

• Early Start Supports Families
• Being true to personal beliefs and family values
• Being provided services with dignity and respect
• Being partners in decision making
• Making child and family relationships a priority
• Being heard
• Having choices
• Being acknowledged as their child's greatest resource
• Being able to say "no"
• Having privacy
• Having quality information and support

To ensure collaboration, families may:

• Ask questions and clarify information
• Express needs
• Share responsibility for solving problems and making plans concerning their child and family
• Seek more information, and
• Seek the support of peers and the community.

For more information, contact:

Napa County Office 10 Executive Court, Suite A Napa, CA 94558 Telephone (707) 256-1100 Fax (707) 256-1112 TDD (707) 257-0213	Emergency Response: (800) 884-1594 (evenings/weekends)
Sonoma County Office 2351Mendocino Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Telephone (707) 569-2000 Fax (707) 542-9727 TDD (707) 525-1239

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