East County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)

The Early Start program is a public special education program that offers services to infants and toddlers with special needs and their families. Services are available to children from birth to 3 years old who are showing significant delay in at least one area of development or have a condition with a known probability of causing a disability or delay. If you have concerns about your infant or toddler's development, you may make a referral by calling: 800-281-8252.​​

As part of California Early Start, the East County SELPA  provides quality early intervention services through the program at no cost to families through three East County school districts for children from birth to three.

Cajon Valley Union School District provides services for families residing within the school district boundaries of Alpine, Dehesa, Cajon Valley, Jamul-Dulzura, and Mountain Empire.

La Mesa-Spring Valley School District provides services for families residing within its school district boundaries as well as the Lemon Grove School District boundaries.

In addition to serving those that reside within their boundaries, Lakeside Union School District also provides services to those residing in the Santee School District.

Once eligibility has been determined, an Individualized Family Service Plan is developed by a team that includes the family and early intervention specialist from an LEA, San Diego Regional Centers for the Developmentally Disabled and other California Early Start agencies.

Parents, physicians, or anyone with a concern about a child's development can make a referral. Please have a discussion with the family before making a referral. Referrals can be made by calling the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) referral line, and leaving a voice message at 619-594-7416, or on the EFRC website. Referrers can expect a return call within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)?

​The IFSP is a family-focused, outcome-oriented plan written to address the infant/toddler’s developmental needs and family concerns. 

• What other agencies might I work with if my child receives services through an IFSP?

San Diego Regional Center and Exceptional Family Resource Center are two agencies that work collaboratively with school districts in the provision of services for children from birth to age three.

• Early Start Services are from birth to my child's third birthday. What will happen when my child turns 3?

Planning for transition at age three begins as early as when the child is two years, six months old. More transition information is available in English and Spanish.

Our Audiology Department is made up of dedicated audiologists and teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing who work together to support students with hearing needs. Through expert assessment, individualized support, and ongoing collaboration with families and educators, our team helps ensure every student can access learning and communicate effectively. 

Learn more about our audiology services at the East County SELPA Audiology website.

The San Diego County Special Education Legal Alliance shall serve as a public entity separate and apart from its member districts as a San Diego County collaborative to support systemic legal change in special education.

Learn more about Special Education Legal Alliance