Apply for a Child Under 3
Intake Process – Ages 0 to 3
Intake Department
- Office: (310) 258-4096
- Fax: (310) 258-4059
- Email: intakeunderage3@westsiderc.org
Intake process
In order to determine your child’s , Westside Regional Center (WRC) will conduct a comprehensive intake process including an evaluation of your child’s developmental level and a review of available medical records/history. The application contains all the information required for WRC to initiate the intake process. Watch the video below to learn more about this process.
Evaluations & assessments
Infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 36 months) referred to the regional center will receive a complete evaluation to assess if they have a developmental delay or disability. The results of the developmental evaluation will be used to determine the appropriate services and supports for the child and family based on their needs. Watch the video below to learn more and hear answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Watch “Evaluations and Assessments for Early Intervention Services” on YouTube
How Do I Apply?
Westside Regional Center (WRC) will initiate an to determine if your child meets eligibility conditions for the Early Start Program. WRC looks into a child’s developmental, social, and medical history. This information may come from outside sources or from in-home interviews, examinations, and testing. There is no cost to you for any of the tests or other services that we provide during the intake process. Below is a step-by-step overview of this process.
Step 1
Family members, physicians, schools, and/or hospitals may contact the Intake Department at WRC to refer a baby or young child.
Step 2
You will complete the intake application with any records, including private evaluations and other pertinent medical records. You will be asked to complete and sign parent consent forms, which are essential to complete the process.
Step 3
You will be contacted to schedule evaluations that may take place at the home, school, and/or WRC. These include (1) family intake evaluation by an Intake Counselor, (2) developmental evaluation, and (3) other evaluations as needed (e.g. speech/language, medical, etc.).
Step 4
An eligibility team will meet to review your child’s records and evaluations. You are invited to be present at this meeting. Once a decision has been made, you will receive a letter informing you of your child’s eligibility status. If not eligible, the intake team will provide you with appropriate community resources. If you disagree with the eligibility decision, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Ready to submit an application?
Eligibility Criteria Ages 0 to 3
Eligibility Criteria: Ages 0 to 3
Intake Department
- Office: (310) 258-4096
- Fax: (310) 258-4059
- Email: intakeunderage3@westsiderc.org
Children develop at different rates and in different ways. Differences in development may be related to personality, temperament, and/or experiences. Some children may also have health needs that affect their development. The first five years are very important in a child’s life. The sooner a concern is identified, the sooner a child and family can receive specialized services to support growth and development. Parents, family members, and caregivers may have concerns about a child’s development and seek help when needed. It is always a good idea for families to discuss any questions they may have with the child’s doctor.
Eligibility Criteria: Ages 0 to 3
Infants and toddlers from birth to age 36 months may be eligible for early intervention services through if, through documented evaluation and assessment, they meet one of the criteria listed below:
- have a developmental delay of at least 25% in one or more areas of cognitive, expressive communication, receptive communication, social or emotional, adaptive, or physical and motor development including vision and hearing. Developmentally delayed infants and toddlers are those determined to have a significant difference between the expect level of development for their age and their current level of functioning; or
- have established risk conditions of known etiology, with a high probability of resulting in delayed development; or
- be considered at high risk of having a substantial developmental disability due to a combination of biomedical risk factors of which are diagnosed by qualified personnel.
The criteria for determining the eligibility of infants and toddlers is specified in Section 95014 of the California Government Code. Developmental Services Trailer Bill, SB 188 (Chapter 49, Statutes of 2022), effective June 30, 2022, amended Government Code (GC) Section 95014 to expand eligibility for early intervention services under the California Early Intervention Services Act (Early Start).
In addition to meeting eligibility criteria, to qualify for services through Westside Regional Center, the child must reside in our service area. If the child lives outside of our service area, you can find the child’s local Regional Center using the Regional Center Lookup or the Regional Center Listings.
If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, Visit our Intake Process section to learn how to apply for services.
Referrals for early intervention services
Anyone can make a referral, including parents, legal guardians or conservators, medical care providers, neighbors, family members, foster parents, and daycare providers. Professionals and concerned persons may make a referral, however, the permission of the parent or legal guardian is necessary. Legally ordered evaluations may come from the courts or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Shows what this word means
Eligibility
Eligibility is whether a person can get WRC services. WRC decides it after an assessment.
WRC’s definition
The process to determine whether, and to what degree, an individual has developmental deficits. An assessment identifies the individual’s strengths, abilities, needs, and developmental level.
Intake
Intake covers the first steps after you call WRC: WRC gathers information and checks whether you can get services.
WRC’s definition
If you have a developmental concern about your child or a family member, the Intake Department will be your first contact at Westside Regional Center.
Early Start
Early Start is free help for babies and toddlers under 3 who have a delay or are at risk of one.
WRC’s definition
Some infants and toddlers may need additional support to help them reach their full potential. These services and supports are available via the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities.
DDS (Department of Developmental Services)
DDS is the state department that funds and oversees California's 21 regional centers.
WRC’s definition
The Department of Developmental Services. This state agency administers the contracts with each regional center and sets many of the regulatory standards for service. The department also operates state developmental centers.