Early Literacy

Braille Institute – Special Collection and Partners in Literacy Program provides blind and visually impaired children with free braille books and storybook kits throughout the year. | More Information

California Preschool Learning Foundation provides language and literacy skills expected during the preschool years. | More Information

The Center for Early Literacy Learning provides mini-posters for parents and practitioners with ways to enhance daily activities and routines with literacy specific opportunities. | More Information

Colorin Colorado provides bilingual literacy resources for educators and families translated into 13 languages. | More Information

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Books is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, including braille and audio formats. The website also contains tips and engagement activity ideas for parents. | More Information

First Book provides books and reading guides for early literacy for children who need them through their network as well as free resources around diversity, social emotional development, and trauma. | More Information

First Library® is a three-year program that offers expectant and new single first time mothers in need books, educational support, new educational toys, supplies, and children's clothing. Participation in a free monthly book program/social service program or referral from a social service agency/medical caregiver is mandatory for participation in the First Library program. | More Information

Foundations in Emergent Literacy Instruction is a free training program for professionals on how to build emergent literacy skills for preschool aged children. | More Information

Hanen I’m Ready Book Nook provides ideas for books to read and strategies to use to build emergent literacy skills including print awareness, story comprehension, print knowledge and sound awareness. In addition to their website they have a terrific YouTube channel with explanations and examples. | More Information

Little Free Library is a non-profit that provides book-sharing boxes to build communities and literacy. You can search on their site for boxes near you. | More Information

Reach Out and Read provides research and reading tips in both English and Spanish for parents of young children. | More Information

Reading Rockets provides information and tips for parents in multiple language for early literacy. | More Information

STAR – Sit Together and Read provides book suggestions and read-aloud practices designed for professionals and caregivers on how to build print awareness. | More Information

Announcements

IDA Blog

Considering the Sibling Experience when Supporting Families in Early Intervention
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Quality Incentive Program (QIP) - Early Intervention Services Directive released

The Department of Developmental Services Directive Here announced that the Quality Incentive Program is offering information on how Early Intervention providers can participate in the QIP measure. The Directive covers Eligibility Click Here and Here, Incentive Payment Processing Click Here, Conditions for a Provider to receive Incentive Payments.

The latest plan recognizes the need to have families/children enrolled in Early Start and is offering a fiscal incentive to programs. The plan HERE is different from information shared in the July, 2023 Presentation to the Interagency Coordinating Council and at the January 2024 ICC Meeting.

Steps to listing a program in the Statewide Provider Directory are not included in this Directive.

The QIP email to ask questions, share comments is [email protected]

ACTION NEEDED: Have you contacted your legislators?

Call to ACTION English Click Here in Spanish Here to let them know you are opposed to having a $1B proposed delay in implementing the rate increase to providers rates? Early Intervention providers have not had a rate adjustment. Thanks to The Arc California for offering this easy platform to communicate with legislators.

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