t is essential that professionals know the community services and supports that are available for children and families at age three. Families will need to know how to access community services such as preschool and
childcare programs, medical services, recreational
programs, and family and community resource centers.
Each type of service or program has unique eligibility
requirements, enrollment procedures, and fee schedules.
Having this information readily available will enable
service coordinators to assist families in exploring services
and supports that match child and family resources and
needs. Additional information regarding community
resources may be found in the DDS Early Start Service
Coordinator’s Handbook, Volume 2, Section 10.
Each county has a local childcare resource and referral office that will provide a listing of available preschool and childcare programs in the county upon request. Other sources for community-based programs include the California Early Start Central Directory of Early Intervention Resources, the local FRC, city and/or county parks departments, and social service agencies.
Preschool programs may include the following:
• California State Preschool (part-day and full-day
programs)
• Head Start programs (home-based and
center-based programs)
• private community preschools
• school district-operated preschools
Other community services may be provided through:
• city and/or county parks and recreation programs
• YMCA/YWCA
• community play groups
• community libraries
• faith-based organizations
• city and/or county community centers
Family Support Organizations
A number of parent organizations throughout Califor¬nia provide information and resources to families. These include Early Start FRCs, parent information and train¬ing centers (PITCs), and family empowerment centers (FECs). Services may include parent-to-parent support, training, and educational information. Refer to the Re¬sources section for a list of family support organizations.