REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 22, 2024
FROM
ARLENE MOLINA, Assistant Director, Preschool Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Non-financial Memorandum of Understanding with Inland Counties Regional Center, Inc. dba Inland Regional Center for Disability Services
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding with Inland Counties Regional Center, Inc. dba Inland Regional Center, to provide disability services for eligible Early Head Start infants and toddlers, for the period of October 27, 2024, through October 31, 2029.
(Presenter: Arlene Molina, Assistant Director, 383-2078)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The recommended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is non-financial in nature and as such, does not impact Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Preschool Services Department (PSD) provides Head Start, Early Head Start (EHS), and State Preschool programs that include comprehensive child development and family services comprised of education, health, nutrition, parent involvement, and mental health services for children ages zero to five and their families. The overall goal of these programs is to increase the health and school readiness of disadvantaged children and increase the self-sufficiency of low- income families.
Head Start Performance Standards and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act require collaboration evidenced by formal non-financial agreements with agencies that provide disability services for infants and toddlers.
Since 2013, PSD and IRC have partnered to provide successful evaluation and IFSP services to eligible Early Head Start infants and toddlers countywide. Infants and toddlers participating in EHS, and deemed disabled, will receive services from the Inland Regional Center (IRC) that include, but are not limited to, development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and provision of a care coordinator, to meet with the child and family in their home every two weeks to provide therapy and/or support services. In extreme cases, the child may be referred to specialists. The IFSP is used to identify individualized support and services for the family to enhance the child’s development. The IFSP includes an assessment of the infant/toddler’s present level of development, a statement of goals, and identification of support services that will be put in place to achieve the stated goals and ensure a smooth transition into preschool.
The IFSP is used by PSD to create adaptations and accommodations that address the child’s developmental needs. The effectiveness of the services is assessed by the IRC every six months. Changes to the IFSP are made at that time and progress is monitored by PSD.
Approval of the recommended MOU will allow IRC to continue to serve as a local resource helping to find and access services and support for Early Head Start families. Early Head Start infants and toddlers who are suspected by family members, doctors or school providers, of having, or at risk of having, developmental delays or disabilities may be referred to IRC for a comprehensive evaluation and additional services, if deemed necessary.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by Human Services Contracts (Patty Steven, Contracts Manager, 388-0241) on September 10, 2024; County Counsel (Adam Ebright, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 17, 2024, 2024; Finance (Paul Garcia, Administrative Analyst, 386-8392) on October 2, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Cheryl Adams, Deputy Executive Officer, 388-0238) on October 3, 2024.