What We Do
At Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC), we support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties. We help you find services and supports that match your specific needs and goals throughout your lifetime.
Find support and services at any stage of your life journey:
Ages 0-36 Months
Early Start
We provide early intervention services for infants and toddlers who may have a developmental delay, or a high-risk condition that may lead to a delay. If your child qualifies for Early Start services, we will create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to support your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
2 years and 6 months
Transition to Age 3
We will provide you with the essential steps outlined in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to facilitate a smooth transition from Early Start services to preschool services for your child. Additionally, we will provide information regarding assessment for ongoing Regional Center services under the Lanterman Act.
Ages 4-13
Children’s Services
We coordinate any necessary transition planning before your child becomes school aged, and we fund certain services that schools do not provide. While children may often receive most services in school, we may provide additional services such as respite, social recreation, camp, or other supportive services.
Ages 14-22
Transition to Adulthood
As students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) get older and progress through school, their special education program is required to focus more intentionally on preparing for life after high school. School transition planning usually begins by age 14, but every family’s situation is unique. Talk with your GGRC social worker about your interests for life after high school.
Ages 18+
Adult Services
We support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as you navigate different life stages after graduation through retirement and aging. We can provide you with services such as looking for a job, on the job support and paid internships, health advocacy, housing advocacy and housing search services, home support, training to access public transportation, independent living skills education, respite services or other supportive services to help you live the life you want to live in your community.
Types of Services Available
At GGRC, you will have a trusted social worker who gets to know you and understand what matters most to you. Your social worker will work with you to make a plan, then help you find services in your community that match your needs and goals.
Younger than 36 months
Early Start Services
Early Start is for infants and toddlers under the age of three. If your child qualifies, a GGRC social worker will work with you to create an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) tailored to your child’s needs and your family’s goals. The IFSP will be reviewed every six months (or more frequently if needed).
3 years and older
Lanterman Services
Lanterman services (also called “ongoing services”) are for people age 3 and older. You’ll work with a GGRC social worker to create an Individual Program Plan (IPP). This plan is centered around you and focuses on your strengths, goals, and support needs. As your needs change over time, your social worker will help you to update your services.
How to Get Regional Center Services
Whether you are looking for services for a baby, child, teen, or adult with an intellectual or developmental disability, the steps are similar. We are here to guide you through the process.
Step 1
See If You’re Eligible
There are some medical criteria you’ll need to meet to qualify for regional center services. The criteria is different depending on your age. Click the link below to see if you’re eligible.
Step 2
Apply for Services
If you think you or your child is eligible for regional center services, submit our referral form and we’ll contact you to schedule a conversation about your potential support needs.
Step 3
Make a Plan
After you’re approved for regional center services, you’ll get paired with a GGRC social worker. They will work with you to create a service plan (called an IFSP or IPP) that’s built around your strengths, support needs, and goals.
Step 4
Receive Services
Once your plan is in place, you can begin receiving services that are listed in your plan. Your GGRC team will check in with you regularly to make sure your services still fit your needs.
Resources for Getting Started
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Document
Early Start Information Packet
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Document
A Guide to Understanding Services
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Video
GGRC Services: What Is Early Start? (Spanish)