Protection & Advocacy Inc.

Advancing the Rights of Californians with Disabilities

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC
INFORMATION UNIT

1029 J Street, Suite 150
Sacramento CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 497-0331
Fax: (916) 497-0813
www.pai-ca.org

PAI Policy on Legislation Affecting Pupils in the
Early Intervention Services Program

Adopted 11/20/1999

BACKGROUND:

California participates in the federally funded early intervention educational program for infants and toddlers ages 0 to 3. California has delegated primary responsibility for this program to the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS). DDS implements the program through the system of 21 regional centers and pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and the California Early Intervention Services Act. These state laws sometimes cause conflicts with these infants’ and toddlers’ and their families’ entitlements to free and appropriate early intervention services under federal law.

PRINCIPLES:

The following principles should be honored in any proposed legislation or amendments to legislation.

1.      State law should not be amended to dilute or weaken an infant’s or toddler’s rights under federal law to appropriate early intervention services at no cost to families.

2.       State law should be amended to be reconciled with federal law regarding these infants’ and toddlers’ rights under federal law to free and appropriate early intervention services.

Policy #1014.01

Adopted 11/20/1999