Regional Center Services

From dds.gov Early Start Handbook: The eligibility for regional center services changes at age 3. So does the program's name. The program that provides services for people with developmental disabilities is called 'Lanterman Act services'. Eligible diagnoses for Lanterman Act services include:

• Autism

• Cerebral Palsy

• Epilepsy

• Intellectual disability 

• Conditions similar to an intellectual disability or needing similar treatment

  • Also called the 5th category

AND the disability causes substantial difficulty in the person's everyday life in at least three areas of functioning.

In some cases, children may meet eligibility for Lanterman Act services before they turn 3 years old. (e.g., a child with Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome)

Provisional Eligibility

Some children may not clearly meet eligibility for Lanterman Act services at age 3, but may qualify for provisional eligibility. The child might not have an eligible diagnosis yet, or they may not have a substantial enough disability. 

Children can still receive Lanterman Act services if they meet the conditions for provisional eligibility:

• Child is 3 or 4 years old

• The disability is not only physical in nature 

• The child has significant limitations in two of the following areas of life activities:

  • Dressing and feeding (Self-care)

  • Listening and talking (Receptive and expressive language)

  • Learning, thinking and problem solving (Cognitive milestones)

  • Walking and moving (Mobility)

  • Making choices, telling you what your child wants (Self-direction)

Children who receive services through provisional eligibility can receive them until age 5. At that time, they will have to meet the eligibility for Lanterman Act services. If they don't, the Lanterman Act services will end. 

From the North Los Angeles Regional Center: "If the child is turning 3 within 45 days complete the Lanterman Act Services Ages 3+ application. To determine your child’s eligibility, NLACRC will complete an evaluation to assess your child’s developmental level. Additionally, a review of your child’s available medical history/records is required. Early Start eligibility determination may take up to 45 days."

For clients currently enrolled in Early Start services through the Regional center, reach out to your coordinator at two years six months to inquire about continuation of services through the Lanterman Act to streamline the application process.

Fill out an online application here and select "Age 3 or older" if the child is within 45 days of their 3rd birthday.

Fill out the PDF application here and follow instructions on the bottom of the page to submit the application. 

From the North Los Angeles Regional Center: "NLACRC’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) provides eligible participants with the opportunity to develop and implement person-centered plans based on an individualized budget that the participants control, within program guidelines."

The Self-Determination Program lets families choose how to spend their child’s Regional Center services budget. Instead of using only pre-approved providers, families can pick who helps their child and what services they need. This gives more flexibility, choice, and control to meet individual goals. 

Steps:

1. Be a Regional Center Client

   • Your child must already be eligible for services under the Lanterman Act (usually requires a qualifying developmental disability diagnosis). 

   • If not yet enrolled, start with the intake process at your local Regional Center. 

2. Attend an SDP orientation

   • Families must attend a mandatory orientation through their Regional Center. 

   • It explains how the Self-Determination Program works, your rights, and how to start. 

   • Sign up here

3. Notify the Regional Center You Want to Enroll 

   • After the orientation, tell your Service Coordinator that you'd like to opt in to the Self-Determination Program. 

4. Work With an Independent Facilitator (Optional) 

   • An Independent Facilitator helps you navigate the process, develop a spending plan, and connect with service providers. 

   • You can choose your own or ask the Regional Center for suggestions. 

   • Hiring one is optional but highly recommended. The regional center may be able to pay for the initial facilitator and subsequently you can use your SPD funds to hire this facilitator. 

5. Develop a Person-Centered Plan (PCP)

   • This plan focuses on your child’s strengths, needs, and goals in daily life (e.g., home, community, learning).

   • It can be created with your Independent Facilitator or Regional Center team. 

6. Create a Spending Plan

   • Based on your child’s PCP and allocated budget, outline what services and supports you'll use and who will provide them. 

   • Funds can be used more flexibly than in traditional Regional Center services (e.g., tutoring, parent coaching, recreation, specialized therapists). 

7. Choose a Financial Management Service (FMS) 

   • An FMS handles payroll, taxes, and paying service providers. 

   • You must choose one from a list approved by your Regional Center. 

   • Your FMS will help ensure spending stays within your child’s approved budget. 

8. Start Services 

   • Once your plan is approved and FMS is set up, you can begin using your Self-Determination services. 

   • You can adjust your plan over time as your child’s needs change. 

View NLARC Self Determination Program Initial Timeline here

Download the PDF parent checklist here