Section 8250 Of Article 9. Child Care And Development Services For Children With Special Needs From California Education Code >> Division 1. >> Title 1. >> Part 6. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 9.
8250
. (a) The Superintendent shall ensure that eligible children
with exceptional needs are given equal access to all child care and
development programs. Available federal and state funds for children
with exceptional needs above the standard reimbursement amount shall
be used to assist agencies in developing and supporting appropriate
programs for these children.
(b) To provide children with exceptional needs with additional
access to child care and development programs, the Superintendent
shall establish alternate appropriate placements, such as
self-contained programs and innovative programs using the least
restrictive environment. These programs shall be started as expansion
funds become available and shall be expanded throughout the
implementation of the plan. The Superintendent shall utilize existing
program models and input from program specialists to develop new
program criteria and guidelines for programs serving children with
exceptional needs. These programs may serve children with exceptional
needs up to 21 years of age.
(c) Any child with exceptional needs served in child care and
development programs shall be afforded all rights and protections
guaranteed in state and federal laws and regulations for individuals
with exceptional needs.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the
Superintendent may develop unique reimbursement rates for, and make
reimbursements to, child care and development programs that received
state funding for the 1980-81 fiscal year and serve severely disabled
children, as defined in subdivision (y) of Section 8208, when all of
the following conditions exist:
(1) Eligibility for enrollment of a severely disabled child in the
program is the sole basis of the child's need for service.
(2) Services are provided to severely disabled children from birth
to 21 years of age.
(3) No fees are charged to the parents of the severely disabled
children receiving the services.
(e) The Superintendent shall include child care and development
providers in all personnel development for persons providing services
for children with exceptional needs.