Covid-19 Information & Updates

EARLY START REMOTE SERVICES: The requirements of the California Early Intervention Services Act, Title 17, or a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) requiring the delivery of services in-person are hereby waived. To the extent requested by a parent, guardian, or other authorized legal representative of the child due to concern related to exposure to COVID-19, a service provided to a child in-person may be provided by remote electronic communications, including Skype, Facetime, video conference, or telephone conference.

 

Prior to the delivery of a service by electronic communications, the service provider must notify the regional center that the family requested and agrees to remote or virtual services in lieu of in-person services. The regional center shall send a follow-up letter to the family, in the family’s preferred language, confirming that at the family’s request, virtual or remote services will be provided in lieu of in-person services. The letter shall include contact information for the child’s service coordinator and their supervisor.

 

This waiver is necessary because the Department finds that fear of exposure to COVID-19 is causing family members to miss in-person appointments for services for their children. Providing services to the child through electronic communications ensures that services necessary for the health, development and well-being of the child are delivered.