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Early Start
The Mendocino County Early Start Program is offered through the Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC) and the Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE). RCRC offers early intervention to families whose children may be at risk for developmental delays or who have significant developmental delay. MCOE provides early intervention (EI) services to children with significant developmental delay and/or hearing, orthopedic, or vision impairment. Parents and families know their children best. The Early Start Program is here to support families to make sure their children are reaching their developmental milestones.
How are Services Helpful?
- Developmental assessments help identify strength and needs for children
- Programs are developed to promote a child’s growth and development
- Family service plans are developed to address family concerns, priorities, and resources
- Families receive support from both professionals and other parents
- Support in planning for transition to preschool
- Assistance is available at no cost to families
Family-Centered Guiding Principles
- Supporting Families
- Respecting personal beliefs and family values
- Being partners in decision making
- Making child and family relationships a priority
- Listening to family concerns
- Having choices
- Being acknowledged as their child’s greatest resource
- Providing quality information and support
If you are concerned about your child’s development the first step is to have your child referred for an evaluation. Anyone can make a referral to the Early Start Program. A child can qualify for the Early Start program if they have a 33% delay in one or more areas of development, have an established risk for developmental delay, or are high risk by having two or more high risk factors, such as: prematurity of less than 32 weeks, central nervous center infection, or other identified high risk factors during the first three years of life.
During the evaluation, a child’s fine and gross motor, communication, learning, social, and emotional development are evaluated. Once this process is completed and if your child is found eligible for Early Start Services, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed for your child and family.
For more information or to make a referral, contact:
Redwood Coast Regional Center
1116 Airport Park Blvd.
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: (707) 462-3832
Fax: (707) 462-3314
Mendocino County Office of Education
2240 Old River Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: (707) 467-5181
Mendocino County Department of Public Health
1220 S. Dora Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: (707) 472-2600
Teacher- Early Start
Teacher- Early Start
Instructional Paraprofessional
Teacher- Early Start