The First 5 California Special Needs Project works with families, caregivers, child care providers – including Head Start and State Preschool programs, educators, health, mental health, and social services providers to support young children with a broad spectrum of special needs in the context of and as an integral part of the First 5 School Readiness Program community approach.

Special Needs Project emphasis areas include:

1. Universal access to screening for early identification/diagnosis and referrals for physical and developmental issues (including social/emotional/behavioral)

2. Improved access to and utilization of services and supports through coordination and reallocation of existing resources and building of new supplemental resources.

3. Inclusion of young children with disabilities and other special needs in appropriate typical preschools, child care and development and other community settings with provision of necessary supports to help the child succeed in these environments.

4. Evaluation to identify effective practices and to improve programs.

First 5 California Special Needs Project Fact Sheet (PDF, 96KB)

Long-Term Project Outcomes. (PDF, 72KB)

For a more detailed description including project overview, goals and expected outcomes, click here. (PDF, 148KB)

Project History

In March 2003, the First 5 California Children and Families Commission approved a total of $20 million over five years to support the First 5 California Special Needs Project that addresses two areas:  1) Children with Disabilities and Other Special Needs and 2) Mental Health.  The combination of these two areas was considered with significant input and discussion.  It was determined that merging the two areas would be beneficial to maximize early identification of conditions that are often overlooked or difficult to diagnose, improve connections to services for children with existing disabilities, and provide services to children in need of supports, particularly in the area of behavioral/mental health, but who have no current diagnosis or eligibility for an existing categorical program. The First 5 California Special Needs Project will be implemented through Demonstration Sites and a Statewide Coordination and Training contract.  The Infant, Preschool and Family Mental Health Program also received funding.

For more information on this, and other First 5 California Children and Families Commissions’ projects, visit their website at www.ccfc.ca.gov

Project Staff

Find contact information for the Special Needs Project staff.