"Children with disabilities who have consistent, knowledgeable advocates are most likely to receive appropriate services and supports." -DREDF.org
Advocacy Resources
Ages 0-5 years
A First 5 Plumas resource to share with you first steps, where to get free screenings and evaluations, and how to access follow-up support and services.
A simple flow chart that shows which local programs to contact for free developmental evaluations and services based on a child’s age group
DREDF is a Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) funded by the U.S. Department of Education. PTIs support families of children and young adults (birth to 26) with all disabilities.
Their Education Advocates help families:
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obtain appropriate education and services
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improve education outcomes
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access training to support advocacy for their child
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resolve issues with schools or agencies
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connect their children to community resources
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DRC serves Californians with disabilities — people of all ages and types of disabilities — who need legal advocacy, protection of civil rights, and help accessing services and supports.
For children 0-5 years it provides legal advocacy, parent rights training, and extensive self-help resource toolkits to ensure young children receive essential early intervention and educational support.
Undivided is a parent-driven digital support system and resource platform for families raising children with disabilities. It provides personalized roadmaps, one-on-one expert coaches (called Navigators), and AI-powered tools to help parents navigate school districts, secure IEPs/504s, and unlock regional center or public benefits. Their base services are free. If you are a parent in Plumas County, contact First 5 Plumas about obtaining a paid Undivided Membership.
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Ages 0-3 years (until 3rd birthday)
Learn how to access Early Start to help your child (birth to age 3) get developmental support services such as speech, physical or occupational therapy, special instruction, and family support, that can improve their learning, communication, behavior, and daily skills.
Early services boost long‑term outcomes for children receiving program support.
The Early Start (ES) program is California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers who need extra support with their development. Early Start services are available in your community and are provided through a coordinated, family-centered system.
Parents and caregivers can find a comprehensive overview of Early Start above.
This resource guides you through the steps from Early Start to Transitional Lanterman and school services, explaining how to get evaluations, access supports, and connect with the right local programs so your child moves smoothly into the next stage of services.
The Early Start Family Resource center at Plumas Rural Services helps families of children 0–3 (until 3rd birthday) with disabilities. Services include parent-to-parent support, help with the IFSP-to-IEP transition, and opportunities for parents to lead, volunteer, and give input to improve services.
Ages 3-5 years
This resource provides information on special education and federal laws so you can:
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Know your child’s rights
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Understand eligibility and available services
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Advocate for appropriate evaluations and individualized plans
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Make informed decisions to secure timely supports that improve learning and long-term outcomes
This resource helps you learn about services through the Far Northern Regional center under the Lanterman Act. This information will help parents of young children (0–5) help parents understand eligibility, ensure their child gets fair access to needed supports and services early to improve development and strengthen family functioning.
The SCDD Back-to-School Resource Guide is a comprehensive, free publication curated by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD). It equips students, families, and educators with actionable tools to navigate the special education system, build successful IEP strategies, and advocate for an inclusive academic journey.
Family Empowerment Center at Plumas Rural Services provides information, training, support and advocacy to parents and guardians of children and young adults with any disability in Plumas County.
Self-Determination Program
Children 3 and older who are Regional Center clients can enroll in the Self-Determination Program which gives people with disabilities more freedom, control, and responsibility to choose the services and supports that help them meet their goals and be fully included in their community.
An Introduction to the Self Determination Program for Plumas County
Presented by Far Northern Regional Center,
Morgan Curtiz and Jordan Beard
Resources to help you understand the Self Determination Program:
Self Determination Program: What can or cannot be paid for & why?
Goods & Services Decision Tree
Self Determination Definitions
Improvement Plan for Inclusion in Early Childhood
The Plumas Inclusive Early Education Workgroup meets quarterly to identify barriers to full inclusion in early childhood and implement our action plan. As a parent of a child with a disability, your experience is highly valuable—please consider joining us.
