This 4-part ECHO series explore the systems that serve young children in California, with a focus on supporting children with disabilities ages 0-5. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of developmental services, regional center eligibility and supports, and transition into special-education systems. The series is designed for professionals, caregivers and partners working with young children to strengthen collaboration across systems and empower families to access entitlements and services.
Session 1: Understanding the California Department of Developmental Services and the Lanterman Act
Participants will be introduced to the California Department of Developmental Services (DSS) and the Lanterman Act, which establishes the right to services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Lucy Esralew will review Lanterman Act eligibility criteria, including Category 5, with a specific focus on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Participants will gain insight into how regional centers operate within this system and how families can navigate eligibility pathways.
Session 2: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C/Early Start Services - Eligibility and Transition
An in-depth look at the eligibility process will guide participants through how families access services and supports for children under 3. Presenters will discuss Early Start services for infants and toddlers and highlight the critical transition at age 3, when some children exit early-intervention services. Discussion will include provisional eligibility exceptions and strategies for ensuring continuity of care through partnerships with other systems.
Session 3: Accessing the Special Education System for 3- to 5-Year-Old Children
This session will focus on how families and providers can access special-education services for preschool-aged children. Presenters will review how to request a special-education evaluation, what supports may be available and how to successfully navigate the bridge between Early Start and the education system. The session emphasizes collaboration and preparing families for transition points.
Session 4: Special Education Laws in California for Children with Disabilities Ages 0-5
Understanding the laws and regulations around special education is important in order to understand how to access services and supports. An overview of federal and state education laws that protect the rights of children and their families will be provided.
ECHO is a collaborative learning model—think of it as structured group coaching. Instead of a class or lecture, participants engage in real-world learning grounded in lived experiences, expert insight and peer-to-peer problem-solving, so everyone builds skills together.