State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP)

The State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) is a multi-year plan, developed in collaboration with the SSIP Taskforce, to improve the social and emotional development of infants and toddlers in the Early Start program. Resources related to parent and provider education, professional development, and interagency collaboration are available on the California Early Start Neighborhood website.

In 2015, California’s Early Start program established a multi-year plan to improve the social-emotional outcomes of infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. This multi-year plan, known as the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP), incorporated several activities implemented across the state, including the “Take a Minute” campaign.

Starting in Fiscal Year 2023-24, The Department of Developmental Services initiated a comprehensive review and potential update of California’s State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). This process involved collaborating with community partners from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise in Early Start. The Department led discussion groups who analyzed data on the current SSIP, discussed progress in supporting child and family outcomes, and worked to update and develop the SSIP to better meet the needs of children and families. The purpose of this engagement is to determine appropriate steps to ensure California’s SSIP improved outcomes for children and families.

As a result, three constituency groups and one advisory group were formed. These groups represent parents, advocates, family resource center partners, regional centers, service providers, state agency representatives, and personnel from higher education.  

State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP)

The SSIP Extends Through 2025 & is Comprised of the Following Three Phases

In Phase I, data were analyzed and infrastructure was outlined and identified to support improvement and build capacity. In addition, the State-identified Measurable Result (SiMR) and Theory of Action were developed.

Phase I Submission Report – (FY 2013-2014) – Submitted 2015

Completed in April 2016, Phase II consisted of a multi-year plan for infrastructure development; supports for implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs); and, evaluation.

Phase II Submission Report – (FY 2014-2015) – Submitted 2016

Due in February 2017 and annually through February, 2020, Phase III includes an evaluation of the plan and reporting of progress; results of ongoing evaluation; a report on the extent of progress; and, revisions to the plan (Updated Plan). To implement the SSIP activities at the local level, each regional center catchment area has developed a Local Implementation Team. Implementation of the SSIP will be conducted via three cohorts. The following cohorts are comprised of representatives from the Regional Center, Family Resource Center, Local Educational Agencies, and other community partners, such as First 5, Early Head Start, and the County Office of Mental Health:

Cohort #1 – Implementation Plans and Information

The Local Implementation Assessment (LIA) template has been designed to assist regional centers and their local implementation team members with planning and documenting how they will implement the SSIP at their local level.

Cohort #2 – Implementation Plans and Information

Cohort #3 – Implementation Plans and Information

Advisory Group Meetings

Combined Advisory Group and Constituency Groups A, B, and C Meeting

Constituency Group Meetings

Group A

Group B

Group C


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Last modified: July 16, 2025