How to Get Speech and OT Services Through Regional Centers

Introduction

If you’re a California parent concerned about your child’s communication or motor development, you may be wondering how to access support like speech therapy or occupational therapy (OT). Fortunately, California’s network of Regional Centers offers free services for eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. However, many families don’t know where to begin, or how to make sure their child gets the right support.

This guide walks you through how to access speech and OT services through a Regional Center, from the initial intake process to ongoing care and advocacy. Whether your child is under age 3 or already in school, understanding your rights and options is key to getting the help they need.

1. What Are Regional Centers?

California’s Regional Centers are nonprofit organizations contracted by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate and fund services for individuals with developmental disabilities. There are 21 centers across the state, each serving specific geographic areas.

They work with families to assess needs, develop Individual Program Plans (IPPs or IFSPs), and connect children and adults to therapies, education supports, respite care, and more. For young children, speech and OT services are among the most commonly requested supports.

2. Step 1: Determine If Your Child May Be Eligible

Speech and OT services through Regional Centers are typically available to:

• Children under age 3 with a developmental delay (served through Early Start)
• Children and adults with a qualifying developmental disability (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability)

Even if your child doesn’t have a formal diagnosis yet, a noticeable delay in speech, language, motor skills, or feeding can be enough to qualify for an evaluation.

Tip: If you’re unsure, it’s worth applying. You don’t need a referral, families can self-refer to their local Regional Center.

3. Step 2: Contact Your Local Regional Center

Find your local center using the DDS directory: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/

When you call, request an intake appointment. You’ll typically be asked to:

• Share your concerns about your child’s development
• Provide any evaluations, reports, or doctor’s notes you have
• Fill out intake paperwork

The intake process can take a few weeks to complete, but once accepted, your child will be eligible for free assessments and services.

4. Step 3: Get an Evaluation

Once your child is accepted for services, the next step is an evaluation. Depending on your child’s age and needs:

• Under age 3 (Early Start): The Regional Center will arrange developmental assessments. If delays are confirmed, you’ll help create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that can include speech and OT.
• Age 3 and up: Your child must have a qualifying developmental disability. An interdisciplinary team may conduct evaluations, including speech and OT assessments if needed.

Important: Regional Centers do not provide services based solely on educational need, they serve children with developmental conditions that significantly impact daily functioning.

5. Step 4: Create a Service Plan

If your child qualifies, your team will develop an official service plan:

• IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan): For children under 3
• IPP (Individual Program Plan): For individuals age 3 and older

The plan outlines which services your child will receive, how often, and who will provide them. For example:

• “Your child will receive speech therapy twice per week and occupational therapy once per week through a contracted provider.”

Regional Centers often contract with private agencies or therapists in your area to deliver these services, and they are provided at no cost to families.

6. Step 5: Start Services and Stay Involved

Once services begin, it’s important to:

• Communicate regularly with your child’s therapists
• Track your child’s progress and share updates with your case manager
• Request revisions to the service plan if needs change

Therapy may be delivered in your home, at a clinic, or virtually, depending on your location and provider availability.

7. What If My Child Doesn’t Qualify?

If your child is found ineligible for Regional Center services but still has delays, there are other options:

• Early Start Referrals: For children under 3, the Regional Center may still refer you to local Early Start providers or help you access services through your health insurance.
• School-Based Therapy: Starting at age 3, public schools are responsible for evaluating and supporting children with educational delays through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Private Therapy: You can also pursue therapy independently through insurance or private pay.

If you disagree with a Regional Center’s decision, you have the right to appeal (more on this in a later article).

8. Summary: A Path to Speech and OT Support

Getting your child into speech or occupational therapy through a Regional Center may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it’s a straightforward process:

1. Check eligibility based on age and developmental concerns
2. Contact your local center and request an intake
3. Participate in evaluations to determine needs
4. Create a service plan that includes speech or OT
5. Start therapy and advocate for continued support

Remember, you don’t have to wait for a doctor or teacher to refer you, you can start the process yourself. And even if your child doesn’t qualify, Regional Centers can still connect you with helpful resources.

Need help starting the process?

Visit https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/ to find your local Regional Center and get started today.