You’ve got school-year supports down. But summer? That’s a whole different story. Whether your child is headed to camp and might need a 1:1 aide or they’re staying at home (with a little extra support), the lead up to summer is the perfect time to start thinking about what your kiddo might need when school’s out. How can we fill in the gaps for California kids? Enter Regional Center and the Self-Determination Program (SDP)!
When and how do I request summer services?
Getting extra summer support starts with your child’s Individualized Program Plan (IPP). Regional Center will only fund programs that help meet your child’s goals, so if you’re planning to request something for summer, make sure it connects to your child’s 2. From there, reach out to your service coordinator to get the process started.
Check out our five simple steps to get the ball rolling. One key tip: start as early as possible. It can take a month or more to coordinate and approve services, so now’s the time to reach out.
Pssst…coming soon — our new IPP Assistant! The IPP Assistant will work the same way our IEP Assistant does, flagging areas of need, identifying potential services, and calling out anything missing that could better meet your child’s needs. Stay tuned for that release this summer!
What summer services can Regional Center actually fund?
Regional Center may be able to cover a range of summer supports — from social-recreation programs and camps to educational services for kids ages 3–17, as well as non-medical therapies like art or music.
In some cases, Regional Center can increase respite or specialized supervision hours to cover extra child care while you’re working. If a service supports your child’s development and aligns with their IPP goals, it’s worth asking about.
How do I use SDP and make sure I’m getting the right support?
One of the biggest benefits of the Self-Determination Program (SDP) is that it addresses unmet needs — any situation where you didn’t get the right service. Maybe your kiddo didn’t go to summer camp because they didn’t have a properly trained aide, and the respite company didn’t have the appropriate person, or you didn’t go to social-recreational classes because the ones Regional Center vendored didn’t interest your child.
Your SDP spending plan, essentially how you’re going to take that budget and spend it on services such as respite, social-rec, and more, can address unmet needs. Check out our six tips to help you use your funds in ways that truly support your child and your day-to-day life. And for extra support, an Independent Facilitator can help you build your spending plan, navigate the system, and make sure your services align with your child’s goals.
Still have questions?
Feeling confused about what Regional Center is actually supposed to provide — and how that lines up (or doesn’t?) with what you’re being told by your service coordinator? If something feels off or you’re facing delays, you’re not alone. Read our brand-new resource filled with answers to the most common parent questions about Regional Center services.
Hot topics:
- Can Regional Center fund an Undivided membership? Yes — here’s how.
- What if Regional Center denies your request? You can appeal.
- Trying to find your state’s public benefits? Here’s what we recommend.
Need help wrapping up loose ends before school ends?
While we’re talking about public benefits today, we’re not out of school yet. If you need support with your child’s IEP, or you’re trying to wrap up loose ends before school is out, but you aren’t sure how, Undivided can help. With our new IEP Assistant, you can upload your child’s IEP, and in minutes, get personalized recommendations on improving supports, accommodations, goals, or services. Check out IEP Assistant here→
Undivided Updates
California State Budget for 2026-2027: Trailer Bills
The Assembly and Senate are now reviewing Governor Newsom’s proposed updates to California’s 2026–27 state budget and drafting the trailer bills that add the legal details behind those changes. From shifts in Regional Center services and the Self-Determination Program to updates in special education funding, there’s a lot for families to keep an eye on. The good news? These are still proposals, which means there’s time to speak up. Read our breakdown of the 2026–27 budget trailer bills, plus how the disability community is responding→
FREE live Q&A — California Legislative and Budget Updates May 2026
Thursday, May 21, 12:00 p.m. PT
As Medicaid and special education change at the federal level, we’re seeing the impact on California systems that our families rely on. Join us for a FREE webinar with Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, to hear about how the state’s proposed 2026-27 budget will affect services for individuals with disabilities and how we can advocate for what our kids need. Register for free here→
Office hours
Wednesday, May 6, 12:00 p.m. PT
If you have questions about your child’s accommodations, services, goals, or anything else in their IEP, join us for office hours with Non-Attorney Education Advocate Karen Ford Cull, who specializes in inclusion. During office hours, you can ask your question in our members-only Zoom session and get answers right away. If you’re not a member, sign up here to participate→
Undivided Conversations → Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
- Regional Center Services → Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. PT. Navigating Regional Center services can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Revisit this conversation about navigating Regional Center services with expats Chris Arroyo and Christine Tolbert, just in time for summer.
- Twice Exceptional (2E) Kids → Sunday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. PT. Tune into our brand new conversation on 2e children. Listen to education advocates, mental health professionals, professors, and other experts as they discuss how 2e is defined, assessed, and identified, and how to support your 2e child.
Every Regional Center does things a little differently, which is why getting tips from other families at your Regional Center can be helpful. Connect with fellow parents in our private Facebook group→
How do you include social-rec in your child’s IPP goals? Check out these tips from Chris Arroyo from the SCDD on YouTube→
Looking for extra child care support from Regional Center over the summer? Learn more about respite on our Instagram→
Know any families or providers who need more information about Regional Center services in California? Share Undivided resources on LinkedIn→
