Regional Center is an incredible resource that can help fill the gaps IEP services don’t always cover. That said, navigating it can feel tricky — especially when you enter Self-Determination Program (SDP) territory — and there’s definitely a learning curve (which most parents would say is absolutely worth it!). Every Regional Center is a little different, but whatever your child’s age, there are lots of ways to access supports that meet their unique needs. So where do we start?! This week, we’re answering your questions and breaking down how to make the most of Regional Center and SDP.
Explore Regional Center
- Start here→ Get an overview of common and lesser-known Regional Center services — from therapies and tutoring that can fund IEP gaps; 1:1 inclusion aide to help facilitate socialization and full participation; and social-recreation activities and programs that can support your child’s goals to make friends, be more independent, and develop new skills.
- Eligibility→ Wondering if your child qualifies for Regional Center support? We’ll walk you through early intervention for kids under age 3, what the Lanterman Act means for children ages 3 and older (including what counts as a “substantial disability”), and what steps to take if eligibility or services are denied.
- IPP/IFSP goals→ Get step-by-step tips to make your child’s IPP/IFSP goals meaningful and achievable, and learn how to navigate the new Individual Program Plan (IPP) template introduced on January 1, 2025.
Explore the Self-Determination Program (SDP)
- Start here→ If the traditional Regional Center supports that your child has been receiving aren’t enough, the Self-Determination Program may be something to explore. SDP 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.
- SDP FAQs→ Have SDP questions? We’ve got answers to the 12 most common questions!
- Maximize Your SDP budget→ Make the most of your SDP funds with our six easy and practical tips.
- Work with an Independent Facilitator→ Undivided’s Self-Determination Consultant Iris Barker answers 9 of the most frequently asked questions about working with an IF or becoming one yourself.
An Undivided membership brought to you by Regional Center
Regional Center may cover Undivided! Learn how to request funding and get started today →
🆕 Undivided Updates: state legislation 2024-2025
This year’s legislative session brought major wins for students, educators, and families of children with disabilities. We’re breaking down what these changes mean and how they can help your family. Learn more in our article here.
See how an Undivided Navigator helped one of our Undivided families get financial relief. (Hint: at Undivided, we save families an average of $63K annually!).
📅 Save your spot→ Free virtual event: Behind the Scenes with a Former Director of Special Education
Last chance to RSVP for this event next week! Join us on Thursday, November 6, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. PT for a FREE event where Dr. Diana Fannon will answer questions and share insider insights. RSVP here→
📅 Save your spot→ Free virtual event: California’s Alternate Pathway to a Diploma for Students with Extensive Support Needs
Do you have questions about who qualifies for this high school diploma or how to discuss it with your IEP team? Join us on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. PT for a training and Q&A with Kristin Wright and Stephanie Coleman. RSVP here→
💬Join us for office hours
On Wednesday, November 5 at 12:00 p.m. PT, Adriana Roze, Undivided’s Lead Researcher will give tips for finding a winter camp for the upcoming school break, plus answer questions about working with Undivided Research Team to help you find a provider, school, social-rec program, or other resource. If you’re not a member yet, get started here to join us for office hours.
Upcoming Undivided Conversations
Tune in to these Undivided Conversations on our Facebook page:
- Saturday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. PT→ Regional Center Services. Experts Chris Arroyo and Christine Tolbert from the California State Council for Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) share practical tips on how to maximize Regional Center services for your child.
- Sunday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. PT → Self-Determination Program Tips. Christine Tolbert joins us again to explain how families can use SDP to secure supports and services for their kids.
- How does Regional Center work with other public benefits like Medi-Cal, IHSS, CCS, and Social Security? Watch Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck break it down!
- We know all the paperwork involved in public benefits like Regional Center can be confusing! Hear how Undivided helped one parent manage it all→
- Have questions about your specific Regional Center? Connect with local parents in our private Facebook group for parents→
- Help more families and providers understand how Regional Center can support kids with disabilities in California! Share Undivided’s resources on LinkedIn→
From our podcast: Undivided Voices
Eps. 6: Back to School With an Education Attorney: What Every Parent Needs to Know This Year – Worried about statewide district budget deficits and unknown federal cuts? Education Attorney Dina Kaplan from Vanaman German joins us to answer questions about school when the stakes seem higher than ever. Available wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
