California Department of Developmental Services
1600 Ninth Street
P. O. Box 944202
Sacramento, CA 94244-2020
Info: (916) 654-1690
TTY: (916) 654-2054

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California Early Start was developed in response to federal legislation authorizing states to maintain and implement statewide interagency systems that provide early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities was enacted in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; 20; U.S.C., Section 1431 et seq.). IDEA was reauthorized by Congress in 1997 with the law becoming effective July 1, 1998. Final federal regulations became effective March 1999 and are found in Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 303.

National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C of IDEA)

State Law
California Early Intervention Services Act

The California State Legislature passed the California Early Intervention Services Act in 1993 (CEISA; 14 G.C. Section 95000 et seq.). CEISA established state authority to develop an early intervention service system that was congruent with federal requirements. The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) plans, develops, implements, and monitors the statewide early intervention services system in collaboration with the California Department of Education (CDE),and with advice and assistance from the State Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC). The Departments of Health, Social Services, Mental Health, and Alcohol and Drug Programs cooperate and coordinate with DDS and CDE in the delivery of early intervention services.

State regulations governing Early Start were approved in August 1998 and are found in Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Section 52000 through 52175.

Government Code: Title 14 - California Early Intervention Services Act

Title 17 Regulations: Chapter 2 - Early Intervention Services