PURCHASE OF DAY CARE SERVICES

I. DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

Day Care is defined as the care and supervision of children younger than 18 years of age provided so that adult family members, usually the parents, may work or attend a vocation-oriented education program. Day Care services should foster the developmental potential of the child, and be directed toward the achievement of the most independent, productive, and normal life possible. Day Care services should be provided in the least restrictive environment and should approximate the pattern of everyday living available to people of the same age without disabilities. (For North Bay Regional Center Purchase of Service Guidelines regarding Respite, see PM 2315.)

4686(c)(6) The Lanterman Act states that a Regional Center may provide Day Care, under certain circumstances, to parents whose children live at home. NBRC may pay only the cost of the Day Care services that exceeds the cost of providing Day Care services to a child without disabilities, unless the family can demonstrate a financial need and when Regional Center funding of Day Care services will enable the child to remain living in the family home. (W&IC §4685.)

^{4685(a) North Bay Regional
Center recognizes that children with developmental disabilities frequently have
greater opportunities for educational and social growth when they live with
their families. The cost of
providing the necessary services and supports to enable a child with
developmental disabilities to live at home is typically equal to or less than
the cost of out-of-home placement. NBRC
places a priority on providing opportunities and services which will enable
children and their families to live together, when this arrangement is the
preferred objective in the child's Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Individual
Family Services Plan (IFSP).}

PROCEDURE MEMO 2322

ADMINISTRATION - PURCHASE OF SERVICE SECTION

CRITERIA FOR FUNDING DIAPERS

PURPOSE:

NBRC may purchase or provide a voucher for diapers for children three years of age or older. NBRC may purchase or provide vouchers for diapers for children under three years of age when a family demonstrates a financial need and when doing so will enable the child to remain in the family home [WIC 4685(c)(7)].

PROCEDURE MEMO 2306

ADMINISTRATION -- PURCHASE OF SERVICE SECTION

PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENTAL PEER GROUP

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

A Developmental Peer Group is a group setting with typically developing children in which the needs of an Early Start infant or toddler can be met. A Developmental Peer Group enhances speech and language development, supports social and emotional development, stimulates cognitive development, and promotes typical peer interactions. A Developmental Peer Group is the most “natural environment” for a developmental program; this philosophy is mandated by Early Start and the Lanterman Act.

PROCEDURE MEMO 3740

CLIENT SERVICES - LEGAL/CONFIDENTIALITY SECTION

PROCEDURES REGARDING CONSERVATORSHIPS AND GUARDIANSHIPS

NORTH BAY REGIONAL CENTER'S PHILOSOPHY:

It is North Bay Regional Center's (NBRC) philosophy that developmentally disabled persons should have all the rights and privileges of persons who are not developmentally disabled. Since by definition, guardianships and conservatorships remove rights by statute, they should only be considered when all other less restrictive management and treatment efforts have been unproductive. Conservatorships will be established for adult clients, if necessary. Where appropriate, these will be limited conservatorships, which provide for the establishment of special powers to more closely meet the needs of the client. Guardianships will be established for minors, if necessary.