So Many Terms. So Little Time.
Every service, disability, therapy, and resource seems to have some clunky acronym represent it. Here's an ever-growing list of terms and services you'll hear and read about the most when navigating the world of special needs care. You can search by letter or by using the search bar below.
The Early Start program is California's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Early Start services are available statewide and are provided in a coordinated, family-centered system. Services cover children 0 - 36 months.
Early Intervention Is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. May include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family.
EPSDT allows for periodic screenings to determine health care needs of individuals under the age of 21. The program provides all services covered by Medi-Cal plus additional services called EPSDT Supplemental Services. They include: private duty nursing services, case management, pediatric day health care, nutritional services, and mental health evaluations and services.
Extended School Year (ESY) services are designed to support a student with a disability as documented under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to maintain the academic, social/behavioral, communication, or other skills that they have learned as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 accommodation plan.
