Programs for Infants and Toddlers
Kern Early Start Services
Kern Early Start is a multi agency collaborative program to provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth until age three who have a disability in any of the following areas:
- Physical
- Cognitive and Adaptive Development
- Communication
- Social and Emotional
Services are provided by Infant Development Specialists, Therapists, and others who have knowledge of working with very young children and their families. Children in this program are evaluated and have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) developed to address their needs and describe the services that they will receive. Services are provided in the home, the infant centers and other environments suitable for that child and his or her family.
Kern Regional Center works closely with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, the Kern County Consortium SELPA, and Bakersfield City School District SELPA to evaluate and provide a full range of services to the infant/toddler and the family.
A family support program, H.E.A.R.T.S Connection, works closely with the family of infants and toddlers with a disability. The goal of the H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection is to help, encourage, provide resources, training and support to the families of children with disabilities. For more information, please call 661.328.9055
If you think you know an infant or toddler with a need for special interventions, you may obtain more information or make a referral through Search and Serve.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- What is a IFSP?
- Handbook on Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood Special Education Programs (pdf) (California Department of Education)
- Child Care for Children with Special Needs
- A Parent's Guide To Accessing Programs For Infant, Toddlers, and Preschoolers With Disabilities (LDOnline)
- Questions to Ask about a Preschool
- IFSPWeb (Nebraska Department of Education)
- Kern County Department of Mental Health
- H.E.A.R.T.S Connection
- Kern Regional Center
- California Children Services
