Status: In-depth research draft (review_status: in_review). Awaiting reviewer sign-off. Not indexed.
California: where to start
Official starting points in California for children with developmental, learning, attention or mental health needs. Waylight Parents links to these pages; it has not evaluated how any state office performs.
Quick answer. In California, children under 3 start with the state early intervention program, and children 3 and older start with a written evaluation request to the local school district. Medicaid and the state developmental disabilities agency can help with services and funding. Below are the official links we checked, plus the free Parent Center for families.
Updated
Money that may help pay for services, school or tools
- Early intervention (birth to 3): California Early Start (DDS). Free or low-cost developmental services for babies and toddlers. Source: California Early Start (DDS) · checked 2026-10-30
- School choice money (ESA, scholarship or voucher): Not yet verified. We have not confirmed whether this state has a program for students with disabilities. Ask your state education department.
- Medicaid waivers (home and community-based services): Specific waiver programs not yet verified. Waivers for children with autism or developmental disabilities are usually run by the state developmental disabilities agency with Medicaid. Start here: California Department of Developmental Services.
- Medicaid EPSDT (under 21): If your child is on Medicaid and under 21, Medicaid's EPSDT benefit covers screening, diagnostic services and medically necessary care. Ask your state Medicaid agency what this means for your child. Source: Medicaid.gov: EPSDT · state agency: California DHCS (Medi-Cal)
Eligibility rules differ. Check each official page; we list only what we have checked.
Official starting points
- Early Intervention (birth to 3): dds.ca.gov/services/early-start Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- Developmental disabilities agency: dds.ca.gov Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- Medicaid: dhcs.ca.gov Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by a web fetch (site blocks plain requests).
- State education department: cde.ca.gov Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
What we found in official sources
California is one of three states with in-depth research in v0. Facts below were read from the cited official pages on 2026-10-27 and are paraphrased. They still need a human reviewer before this page is published.
Ages 0–3: Early Start
- California's early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) is called Early Start and is run by the Department of Developmental Services. Referrals go through the BabyLine at 800-515-2229. Source: DDS: Early Start
- DDS coordinates services through 21 non-profit regional centers, which determine eligibility. Source: DDS: Regional Centers
Health coverage
- Medi-Cal covers medically necessary behavioral health treatment (including ABA) for people under 21. A physician or psychologist must determine medical necessity. Managed-care members get it through their plan; fee-for-service members use a regional center or other state-listed providers. Source: DHCS: Behavioral Health Treatment
- State-regulated commercial health plans must cover medically necessary treatment of mental health conditions, and California law requires plans to cover behavioral health treatment for autism or pervasive developmental disorder. If a plan denies care, file a grievance with the plan first; the DMHC Help Center number is 1-888-466-2219. The parity law does not apply to Medicare. Source: DMHC: Behavioral Health Care
School (special education) timelines
- After a referral for assessment, the school must provide a proposed assessment plan within 15 calendar days. Parents get at least 15 days to decide. The eligibility determination and IEP team meeting are due within 60 days of the parent's consent. Source: California Education Code §56043
- A parent-requested IEP meeting must be held within 30 days. School records must be provided within 5 business days of a request. Source: California Education Code §56043
- A state complaint must allege a violation that happened within the past year, and the state investigates within 60 calendar days. A due process request must be filed within 2 years. A mediation conference is scheduled within 15 days and completed within 30 days, and a hearing decision is due within 45 days. Source: California Education Code §56043
- Reassessment may happen no more than once a year and at least every 3 years. Source: California Education Code §56043
Parent support and planning
- California Family Empowerment Centers offer parents information, training and peer support. The 14 centers serve families of children ages 3–18, and young adults 19–22 who had an IEP before turning 18. Source: CDE: Family Empowerment Centers
- CalABLE requires that the disability began before age 46, plus a U.S. permanent address and an SSN or TIN. Source: CalABLE: Eligibility
Not yet covered
- Regional center eligibility criteria (Lanterman Act) — not yet summarised.
- Due process hearing office (OAH) page — not yet verified by us.
Federal help in every state
Federal special education law applies in every state. Find your Parent Training and Information Center (free help for families).
Common questions
Where do I start early intervention for a child under 3 in California?
Use the official state page: https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start/ (checked on 2026-10-27).
Where do I find special education information in California?
Use the state education department page: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ (checked on 2026-10-27).
How long does the school have to evaluate my child in California?
The school must send a proposed assessment plan within 15 calendar days of a referral, and the IEP meeting is due within 60 days of the parent's written consent. Source: California Education Code §56043.
Who gives free help to parents in California?
Every state has at least one federally funded Parent Training and Information Center that helps families understand special education rights for free. Find yours at parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center.
How does early intervention work in California?
California's early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) is called Early Start and is run by the Department of Developmental Services. Referrals go through the BabyLine at 800-515-2229.
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