DDS Extension of Directives

As of August 26, the Department of Developmental Services released extensions on the following Directives.
DDS Directive 01-082922 - Extension of Waivers, Modifications and Directives due to COVID-19

One pertaining to the continuation of Early Start services past age 3, DDS Directive 01-082922 - Extension of Waivers, Modifications and Directives due to COVID-19 is extended to October 3, 2022.

ALERT! Friday, September 2, 2022, is the last day that the federal government will provide free COVID-19 at-home tests. Until then, every household can order eight (8) free test kits. These tests are delivered without cost.

Order on https://www.covid.gov/tests or call 1-800-232-0233, if help is needed. Order information required to place an order is a name and address.

Covid-19 Tests:

Are rapid-result at-home tests
Can be taken anywhere
Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)

Have you completed it? Survey of Importance to the Early Start Workforce:

Questions addressed in this survey will assist California Early Intervention programs in looking at staff recruitment, retention issues and possible solutions.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has been contracted by the Early Childhood Personnel Center at the University of Connecticut to conduct a national survey of the early childhood special education workforce. Your responses will provide data to researchers, educators, and policy makers to better support special educators and early interventionists in the future.

Learn more about the goals of this work by opening the survey. Take Survey

We estimate the survey will take less than 10 minutes of your time. We encourage you to take the survey all in one sitting but you can use the link to come back to your survey at a later date. If you chose, you can be entered into a lottery for a chance to win one of 100 $50 gift cards.
If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Jost at [email protected]g. The researchers can also be reached at 848-932-4350.

CA Early Start Child Find tools:

Impact of Early Start Eligibility Changes to 25%. Are you seeing increased referrals to your EI programs?
Early Start: Early Intervention Services Available in California: Get an Early Start! - Bing video
Story of Max (Spanish) - The Story of Max - Spanish - YouTube
Story of Max ( English) - Story of Max | CEITAN Early Start (ceitan-earlystart.org)

The California Early Start FAQ has been created to answer frequently asked questions related to access and referrals, services and supports, eligibility, and transition after age 3. If you need additional information about Early Start services or if you have additional questions call (800) 515-BABY or e-mail us at [email protected].

Programa Early Start Preguntas Frecuentes Para Padres y Prestadores

SPANISH NEW
Child Find for Education services ( 3-21 ages) : Child Find: Law, Process & Screening - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

Resources:
1. Early Preterm Birth linked to ADHD - https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-06-early-preterm-birth-linked-adhd.html
2. Simple Blood test can Accurately Detect Alzheimer's in Down Syndrome - More Information

Regards,
Fran Chasen and Annie Cox, IDA Policy Co-Chairs

Announcements

IDA Blog

Considering the Sibling Experience when Supporting Families in Early Intervention
Read More

ACTION Needed to let the Members of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 know why they need oppose the Proposed $1B budget delay for Rate Implementation

The Senate Budget SubCommittee #3 on Health and Human Services (Senate.ca.gov/calendar) is meeting on March 21st at 9:30AM at the State Capitol, Sacramento.

"We need you to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion need to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion in cut to funding for disability services and supports.

Where Does Early Intervention Stand in the Proposed Governor's Budget 2024-2025?

Governor Newsom released his proposed budget on January 10th. He is suggesting that providers of service through the Department of Developmental Services be prepared for a "delay" in the roll out of the rate model funds. You can have a conversation about what does delay mean .....a cut or not. Basically the funds are not going to be passed along to the providers as promised and planned.

Department of Developmental Services Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services

As mentioned in the Governor's proposed 2024-2025 Budget, the Department of Developmental Services will create a Master Plan with a March 2025 deadline. Yesterday Dr. Mark Ghaly announced the appointed Membership for the Master Plan Committee. Developmental Services Master Plan Stakeholder Committee Appointment (ca.gov) - link to go with Membership for the Master Plan
Their first meeting is scheduled for March 6th. Subcommittees are to be formed to increase input from all communities serving the populations involved with the system.

"The reality is that the developmental services system cannot, nor should it, operate in isolation given the changing needs of the consumers and families we serve today.” said CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “This means we must proactively think about how we connect the dots between systems and sectors, while more intentionally integrating developmental services to our work to serve the whole needs of the individual and their families."

The purpose of the Master Plan is, "...since 2019, the number of Californians served by the developmental services system has grown by 31%, with significant growth among children under the age of 22 who have an Autism diagnosis. Today, over 400,000 Californians receive services and supports through California’s 21 Regional Centers. Individuals who receive services today are more diverse and live longer. They face affordable housing shortages, lower rates of employment, and the challenges of accessing services from other systems and sectors to address their physical, social, and behavioral health needs. A 21st century developmental services system must increase its ability to provide culturally responsive services and to strengthen the accountability and standardization of the system so that it is easier for individuals and their families to navigate no matter where they live in California. "

Additional details in the 2/14/24 Press release:

CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services - California Health and Human Services

Early Intervention ACTION Step

In the Governor's proposed budget, he is indicating there should be a "delay" for one year of completing the fiscal roll out that was part of the rate model process.
This "delay" cut of one year of income impacts the ability of families to access services, programs to recruit and maintain adequate staff,etc.
Please take a moment to connect with your legislators about your concerns.

Take Action! Urge Legislators to Reject Delay of $1 Billion to Disability Services (p2a.co)

There are Budget hearings scheduled in the Assembly and the Senate. Input can be sent via email or in person.

You can watch the Assembly hearings here: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents.
BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NO. 2 ON HUMAN SERVICES
Wednesday, February 28
1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 444
Developmental Services and Rehabilitation Programs
The Senate Hearings can be watched here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/calendar.
Additional details to be shared via IDA EBlasts.

IDA Policy Committee