An early education program shall include services specially designed to meet the unique needs of infants, from birth to three years of age, and their families. The primary purpose of an early education program is to enhance development of the infant. To meet this purpose, the program shall focus upon the infant and his or her family, and shall include home visits, group services, and family involvement activities. Early education programs funded pursuant to Sections 56427, 56428, and 56432 shall include, as program options, home-based services pursuant to Section 56426.1 and home-based and group services pursuant to Section 56426.2, and shall be provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Secs. 1431 to 1445, incl.), and the California Early Intervention Services Act, Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code.
This section shall become operative on July 1, 1998.