Eligibility Criteria for
Early Start through
Inland Regional Center
In California, early intervention is provided through the Early Start Program. To be eligible for Early Start and regional center services for infants/toddlers (birth to 36 months), a child must meet criteria based on developmental delay or risk. Common eligibility considerations include:
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A documented developmental delay of a significant percentage (for example, 25% delay in one or more developmental areas such as cognitive, language, motor, social/emotional, or adaptive development),
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An established risk condition with a high probability of developmental delay, or
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Being at high risk of substantial developmental disability because of biomedical factors.
Intake and Assessment Process
Anyone can make a referral if you have developmental concerns for a child — parents, healthcare providers, daycare providers, or others. Once a referral is made to Inland Regional Center, a service coordinator is assigned to guide you through intake, evaluation, and eligibility assessment. If eligible, you and your team will create the IFSP and arrange services tailored to your child and family. Evaluations and determination of eligibility typically occur within a set timeframe after intake.
How to Contact Inland Regional Center for Early Start Services
If your child resides in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties, the Inland Regional Center (IRC) is the local regional center that can help with Early Start services:
Inland Regional Center – Early Start Intake
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Riverside County Early Start Intake: (909) 890-4763
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San Bernardino County Early Start Intake: (909) 890-4711
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English application: https://inlandrc.seamlessdocs.com/f/esreferral
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Address: 1365 S. Waterman Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Before sending personal health information, call IRC to coordinate secure document transfer.