Early Intervention: Rights and Protections

Early intervention services, provided through the California Early Start Program, to eligible children and families are federally mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and in California by S.B. 1085, the California Early Intervention Services Act.

In Early Start, parents have rights and protections to resolve disagreements related to Early Start services or allegations that a federal or state statute or regulation has been violated. The following procedures are only for children under the age of three years.

As a parent, guardian, or surrogate parent you have the right to:

1. request a mediation conference and/or a due process hearing any time a regional center or LEA proposes or refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, assessment, placement, and/or provision of appropriate early intervention service(s);
2. be informed of your right to file a complaint; and
3. file a complaint if you believe there has been a violation of any law governing early intervention services under Early Start.