Infants and toddlers (up to 36 months of age) with a developmental delay or disability or who have certain risk factors are eligible for early intervention services through the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC). Funded by the federal government, this countywide program is called “Early Intervention”. Early Intervention is an invaluable investment in the future, because the earlier a developmental delay or disability is identified, the greater impact we can have in ensuring that a child is able to achieve his or her maximum life potential. After a parent or other health care professional refers a child to RCOC, an evaluation for eligibility is completed and an assessment is conducted for program planning.

The assessment process includes evaluation of the child’s motor skills, communication development, learning skills, social interaction, and emotional development. Depending on the needs of the child and the parents’ choices, early intervention services may then include, for example: an infant development program, family training, speech and language services, and occupational and physical therapy. Like all services provided through RCOC, the focus is on what we call “self determination” – placing the family at the center of planning and decision-making, respecting individual values, lifestyle, language and culture.