The Bright Start Parent Infant Program has provided Early Intervention Services to children and families within Tulare County since 1997. Children with special needs between the ages of birth to three may be eligible for services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Our Focus

We believe that parents are their child's best teachers. With that philosophy in mind, Bright Start staff works collaboratively with parents to identify developmental goals, incorporate effective teaching strategies into daily activities and routines, and monitor success as their child progresses through the program.

The Process

Children are referred to the Bright Start program once eligibility is determined by the Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC). An Early Childhood Special Education Teacher or Child Development Specialist is then assigned to the family in order to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) in conjunction with a CVRC Service Coordinator. Early Intervention Services are agreed upon as a team and provided in the family home.

Bright Start also provides Early Intervention Services to children who have hearing, vision, or orthopedic delays.

Early Intervention Services can include:

• Ongoing developmental assessment
• Parent-coaching and consultation
• Direct instruction
• Community-based activities and workshops
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy consultation
• Consultation for behavior and feeding difficulties
• Parent training
• Transition planning to preschool

For additional questions about our services, please contact Bright Start directly at (559) 740-4321.

Ron Pekarek, M.S., BCBA, Program Manager
(559) 747-3984, ext. 6811
ronp@tcoe.org