Early Start Complaints & Appeals

Early Start Complaint: A voluntary process is used to investigate and resolve any alleged violation of federal or state statutes or regulations governing California’s Early Start (Early Intervention). If you prefer to use the mediation conference to resolve this disagreement, please complete DS 1808. While mediation is encouraged it is not required. Click here for link to Department of Developmental Services (DDS) website information regarding Early Start Complaints.

Early Start Mediation Conference Request: A voluntary process used to informally resolve disagreements between a parent, as defined in law, and a regional center or a local education agency related to any alleged violation of federal or state statutes/regulation governing California’s Early Start Program, including eligibility and services, or related to a proposal or refusal for identification, evaluation, assessment, placement, or services. Click here for link to DDS website information regarding Early Start Mediation Conference Requests.

Early Start Due Process Hearing.  This process is used to resolve disagreements between parents and a regional center or local educational agency related to a proposal or refusal for identification, evaluation, placement, or services. Click here for link to DDS website information regarding Early Start Due Process Hearing Requests.