Eligibility For Services
At Golden Gate Regional Center, we serve individuals and families in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties, providing them with the specific supports and services they may need at any stage of their life journey.
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Early Start Services for Infants and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers may be eligible for Early Start services if they are:
- An infant or toddler (up to 36 months of age) who has a developmental delay of at least 25%.
- An infant or toddler (up to 36 months of age) for whom there are established risk conditions that could lead to a developmental delay.
- An infant or toddler (up to 36 months of age) who is at high risk of developing a developmental delay or disability due to a combination of biomedical factors.
Potential signs of developmental delay or disability
Signs of developmental delay or disability can often show a need for regional center services. For infants and toddlers, you might notice:
- Delay in walking or talking
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Vision or hearing difficulties
- Exposure to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco before or after birth
- Poor nutrition or difficulty eating
- Environmental factors, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to toxic materials like lead paint
- Genetic conditions associated with a developmental disability (for example, Down syndrome)
Provisional Eligibility
(birth to 5 years)
Provisional eligibility for regional center services is for a child under five years old who demonstrates significant limitations in at least two major life activities and must:
- Have a disability that is not solely physical in nature
AND
Must have significant limitations in at least 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)
Provisional eligibility ends at age 5. A child who is provisionally eligible must be reassessed to determine if the child meets Lanterman criteria.
Lanterman Services for 3 Years and Older
Individuals may be eligible for Lanterman Services if they have a developmental disability that:
Is due to:
- Intellectual disability
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Conditions found to be closely related to Intellectual disability or to require similar treatment
Started before age 18
Is expected to continue indefinitely
Is substantially disabling in at least three areas
We know navigating eligibility can feel complicated. Our team will support you through the eligibility assessment process.