American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funded Early Start Pilot Project

In response to the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the special needs system of care, Section 2014 (a) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 provided supplemental grant funds for early intervention services for infants and toddlers under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – the entity that implements Part C through the regional center service delivery system – received one-time funding for Early Start. DDS contracted with regional centers throughout California to implement pilot projects to strengthen the early intervention service system.

The goal of Alta California Regional Center’s (ACRC) pilot project was to expand and diversify the Early Start workforce and increase the accessibility of Early Start services for children and families in their 10-county catchment area. Monetary incentives were provided to Early Start providers who hired student interns and/or bilingual clinicians. Providers also received an incentive to provide in-home early intervention services to families who have historically faced barriers to accessing Early Start therapies.

Read the final evaluation report.