Understanding the Regional Center of the East Bay

Written by:
Julie Walters, M.A. Special Education
Updated:
11/20/23 10:15 pm
Written by:
Julie Walters, M.A. Special Education
Updated:
11/20/23 10:15 pm

Understanding the Regional Center of the East Bay: Your Quick Guide to Early Start Programs and Resources

Did you know that the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) is committed to providing individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the comprehensive services and support offered by RCEB, empowering you to access the best possible care for yourself or your loved ones.

Basics

  • The Regional Center of the East Bay is a non-profit organization providing resources and services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Alameda & Contra Costa Counties.
  • It offers tailored early intervention services, family support & resources, individualized program plans (IPP), service providers/vendors network and transitioning to adult services.
  • RCEB also provides accessible facilities, transportation options as well as advocacy & awareness programs for an inclusive community.

Exploring the Regional Center of the East Bay

inclusion, group, wheelchair

The Regional Center of the East Bay, one of the 21 Regional Centers in California, is a community-based, private non-profit corporation that provides developmental services and resources to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Regional Center's mission is to provide persons with developmental disabilities the necessary resources to lead lives of quality and satisfaction.

Mission and Vision

At the core of RCEB’s strategic plan is its mission to provide individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with resources necessary for achieving lives of independence, inclusion, and productivity. In line with its mission, RCEB works to provide individuals with lifelong services and supports, aligning with their unique needs, to build a community where everyone can lead independent lives.

In line with their home jump left initiative, RCEB’s vision is to construct and encourage equitable support systems for individuals with developmental disabilities of all ethnicities, cultures, and languages. RCEB advocates for a future where persons with developmental disabilities are seamlessly integrated into the community, evaluating its success using both metric and imperial units to monitor progress.

Service Area

Serving the East Bay region, RCEB provides services and resources to persons with developmental disabilities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. With future expansion plans, RCEB is dedicated to ensuring the continued support and resources for individuals and their families in their service area.

As a part of the wider network of regional centers in California, RCEB maintains a strong commitment to upholding its mission and vision in the communities it serves. This commitment enables RCEB to provide high-quality regional center services and make a tangible impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.

Early Intervention Services: Focusing on Ages 0-3

people, man, adult

The Regional Center for East Bay (RCEB) has a number of programs, including the Early Start Program. This program focuses on providing early intervention services to babies and children (ages birth to 3) with developmental delays or disabilities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. These services provide vital support to young children during their significant developmental years, fostering a foundation for future success.

Adhering to the standards outlined by California’s Early Start Program, RCEB ensures that eligible children receive the appropriate services and resources. With a focus on individualized care, RCEB works closely with families and professionals to deliver services tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Eligibility and Referral Process

To access the Early Start Program at RCEB, a child must meet the eligibility criteria stipulated by California’s Early Start Program. Upon fulfilling the eligibility requirements, families can initiate the referral process by contacting the Early Start Intake line at (510) 618-6195, sending an email to earlystartreferrals@nullrceb.org, or faxing an inquiry to (510) 678-4156.

The evaluation process for Early Start Program eligibility at RCEB is typically completed within a period of up to 120 calendar days following the scheduling of the face-to-face interview.

Documents required for application may include (but not limited to):

  • Medical/psych records
  • Social security card
  • Written parent request and consent
  • Copies of medical records

Types of Services Offered

RCEB’s Early Start Program offers a range of services, including:

  • Speech and language therapy
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Physical therapy
  • Parent support
  • Occupational therapy
  • Developmental evaluations

These services are designed to address the unique needs of each child and are delivered in collaboration with families and professionals.

The cost for the Early Start Program is determined by a fee assessment, ranging from $0 to $200 annually. It is important to note that this fee does not apply to Medi-Cal participants. RCEB also provides respite care services and parent training and education programs, further supporting families throughout their journey.

Family Support and Resources

In addition to early intervention services, RCEB offers extensive family support and resources. These include:

  • Assistance with locating a home
  • Social, behavioral, and daily living skills training and support
  • Support groups, training, and resources
  • Family training services

RCEB’s commitment to families includes:

  • Providing counseling and mental health services
  • Ensuring comprehensive support for the well-being of all family members
  • Providing resources and support through the Family Cost Participation Program, which helps with the cost of respite, day care, and camping services.

Navigating the Regional Center Services

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Navigating the services provided by RCEB can be made simple by understanding the various offerings, such as:

  • Eligibility and referral processes
  • Types of services offered
  • Family support and resources
  • Individualized Program Plans (IPP)
  • Service providers and vendor network
  • Transitioning to adult services

With a wealth of resources available, RCEB strives to provide individuals and their families with the tools and support necessary to lead fulfilling lives.

RCEB collaborates with individuals and their families to develop an Individualized Program Plan (IPP), outlining the goals, objectives, and services aligned with the individual’s needs and aspirations. This personalized strategy guarantees that each individual’s specific needs are met through tailored services.

Individualized Program Plans (IPP)

The development of an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) is key to accessing the services provided by RCEB. The IPP is a formally written agreement and contract between an individual and the Regional Center, outlining the goals, objectives, and services that the individual will receive to support their needs and outcomes. The IPP is developed through a planning process involving the individual, their family, and a Regional Center case coordinator.

The IPP improves access to services by detailing special services and goals, designed by the Planning Team comprising the regional center case manager and the family. The IPP provides a clear roadmap to success by ensuring services are customized to meet the unique needs of the individual.

Service Providers and Vendor Network

The service providers and vendor network affiliated with RCEB is a network of service providers who have been authorized by RCEB to offer services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. RCEB manages its vendor network by forming partnerships with service providers, referred to as ‘vendors,’ to ensure that services and supports meet the requirements of individuals with developmental disabilities. Service providers must be approved by the regional center before they can provide and be remunerated for services.

Vendors at the Regional Center of the East Bay provide a variety of services, such as:

  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Transportation

In order to be part of RCEB, service providers must abide by the standards outlined in the Guide to Becoming a Service Provider, which encompasses providing care, supervision, and support in natural community, home, work, and recreational settings.

Transitioning to Adult Services

As individuals transition from early intervention services to adult services, RCEB provides a streamlined process for both individuals and their families. The transition process involves:

  1. Completing the intake and assessment process to ascertain eligibility and determine service needs.
  2. Once eligibility is confirmed, individuals can access a range of services and supports tailored to their specific requirements.
  3. This ensures a smooth transition and continued support throughout their lives.

The age of eligibility for transition to adult services in RCEB is 18 years old. During this transition, RCEB continues to provide therapeutic services for all ages of individuals with developmental disabilities or delays until age three, ensuring continuity of care and support for families and individuals.

Accessible Facilities and Transportation Options

bus, inside, empty

Accessibility is a top priority for the Regional Center of the East Bay. Their facilities and transportation options are designed to ensure that all individuals can access the services and resources they need, regardless of their physical abilities. By providing special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, RCEB ensures that everyone can fully participate in the resources and programs they offer.

Beyond accessible facilities, RCEB is conveniently located near public transportation options, including AC Transit bus service, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), and the Dumbarton Express bus service. This makes it easy for individuals and their families to access the services and resources provided by the Regional Center of the East Bay.

RCEB Office Locations

The Regional Center of the East Bay has two office locations to serve the community. The main office is located at Creekside Plaza, 500 Davis Street, Suite 100, San Leandro, CA 94577. The Contra Costa office is located at 1320 Willow Pass Road, Suite 300, Concord, CA 94520. Both office locations are fully accessible for individuals with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Operating hours for the Regional Center of the East Bay offices are Monday to Friday from 6 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 1:30 pm. With convenient hours and locations, RCEB makes it easy for individuals and families to access the services and resources they need.

Accessibility Features

The Regional Center of the East Bay facilities are designed with accessibility in mind, providing:

  • Wheelchair ramps and elevators
  • Facilities for individuals with visual impairments
  • Services and accommodations for individuals with hearing impairments
  • Accessible restroom facilities

These accessibility features ensure that all individuals and their families can access the services and resources provided by RCEB without any barriers.

In addition to providing accessible facilities, RCEB is committed to offering services and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in their programs and resources. This commitment to accessibility is a key aspect of RCEB’s mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

Public Transportation Options

In the East Bay area, a variety of public transportation options are available, including:

  • MUNI
  • BART
  • Caltrain
  • Amtrak
  • ACE
  • AC Transit
  • Parks Express

The Regional Center of the East Bay is served by public transportation routes, with AC Transit operating bus service in the regional center of the East Bay area, which includes the Regional Center.

The level of accessibility of public transportation options in East Bay for people with disabilities is highly accessible. East Bay Paratransit provides public transit for individuals who are unable to use regular buses or trains, while TRACS and MTC focus on planning and coordinating accessible transportation for older adults and people with disabilities in the Bay Area. Additionally, there are public transportation discounts and programs available for those with disabilities in East Bay, such as the Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount Card, discounted fare programs by AC Transit, and van services provided by East Bay Paratransit.

Building an Inclusive Community

inclusion, wheelchair, recording

The Regional Center of the East Bay is dedicated to:

  • Building an inclusive community where individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and the wider community can thrive together
  • Advocacy
  • Partnerships
  • Community events and programs

RCEB strives to create an environment that fosters understanding, support, and opportunities for all.

Through collaboration with a variety of stakeholders and community organizations, RCEB promotes inclusivity and heightens awareness about the needs and rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. These efforts not only benefit those directly impacted by developmental disabilities but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the entire community.

Advocacy and Awareness

RCEB is committed to:

  • Raising awareness and advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
  • Engaging in outreach efforts and collaborating with community organizations to create opportunities for people with disabilities
  • Promoting independence and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, supporting their inclusion in the workforce

Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, RCEB is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Through active engagement with policymakers and fruitful partnerships with advocacy organizations, RCEB diligently works to address and protect the rights and needs of their clients. Through these advocacy efforts, RCEB continues to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Partnerships and Collaborations

RCEB prioritizes collaboration in its effort to build an inclusive community. Through partnerships with:

  • individuals
  • agencies
  • service providers
  • public/private organizations

RCEB effectively coordinates services and utilizes resources to enhance support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

These collaborations have led to the establishment of effective alliances, the initiation of mental health programs, and the improvement of community resources. By working together with other organizations and stakeholders, RCEB is able to ensure that services and supports are comprehensive and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Community Events and Programs

The Regional Center of the East Bay organizes inclusive community events and programs to meet the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. These events provide opportunities for individuals and families to connect, learn, and grow together, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the community.

By offering an array of programs, ranging from:

  • early intervention services
  • educational support
  • vocational training
  • independent living skills
  • recreational activities
  • advocacy and support services
  • respite care
  • housing assistance
  • employment opportunities

RCEB ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to the resources and support they need at every stage of life. Through these community events and programs, RCEB is able to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Summary

In conclusion, the Regional Center of the East Bay is a vital resource for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. By providing a wide range of services, resources, and support, RCEB empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives and fosters an inclusive community where everyone can thrive. Through advocacy, partnerships, and community events, RCEB continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are regional centers in California?

Regional centers in California are private non-profit corporations contracted by the Department of Developmental Services to coordinate lifelong services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

What regional center services alameda county?

The Regional Center of East Bay serves Alameda County.

What are the five eligibility diagnosis for regional center services?

People qualifying for Regional Center services typically have Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy or a condition requiring similar treatment to an intellectual disability.

What does East Bay Regional Center do?

East Bay Regional Center is a private, nonprofit corporation providing services to those with developmental disabilities and their families in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.

What does RCEB stand for?

RCEB stands for Regional Center of the East Bay, an organization which provides services to people of all ages with developmental disabilities.

Written by:
Julie Walters, M.A. Special Education
Updated:
11/20/23 10:15 pm