The regional centers of the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) are the single point of entry into the State’s system serving people with developmental disabilities of all ages. This includes the system of early intervention services known as Early Start.

DDS has 21 regional centers throughout the State. These are operated by non-profit organizations. The centers perform intake, evaluation, and assessment to determine eligibility and service needs. They provide or arrange services and supports at the local level. They also provide service coordination, advocacy, information, referral, and an array of other services to eligible infants and toddlers and their families.

Does your pediatrician or you suspect that your child may have a developmental delay or disability? If so, either you or someone else may make a referral to the regional center that serves your area.

Who Golden Gate Regional Center Serves

Golden Gate Regional Center serves individuals with developmental disabilities and their families living in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. They provide early intervention services to infants between birth and three years of age. These are children who are developmentally delayed or believed to be at high risk of a developmental disability.

The criteria for determining the eligibility of infants and toddlers is found in Section 95014 of the California Government Code (http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/statutes/GOVSectionView.cfm?Section=95014.htm)

For information about these services, see Early Start information at the Early Start website (http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/EarlyStart/Home.cfm)

You can reach the Golden Gate Regional Center
(http://www.ggrc.org/ at the following numbers:

Marin County (415) 945-1600

San Francisco County (415) 546-9222

San Mateo County (650) 574-9232

Other regional centers can be found in the Early Start Central Directory of Early Intervention Resources, which also offers an overview of the Early Start system and the referral process.

http://www.ggrc.org/
Website of the Golden Gate Regional Center

http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/RC/RCList.cfm
Website of the State of California Department of Developmental Services