1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Role: Provides statewide oversight of Day Habilitation programming and Regional Center vendorization

Agency: Regional Centers (21 statewide)
Role: Authorizes and funds Day Habilitation Services based on the Individual Program Plan (IPP)

Agency: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Role: Administers Medi-Cal and oversees Medicaid-related service funding

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures HCBS Day Habilitation Services meet federal person-centered and integration requirements

2. DAY HABILITATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Day Habilitation Services help individuals with developmental disabilities build adaptive skills in a structured setting during the day. These services are non-vocational, but may include pre-vocational activities, and are customized to support each person’s goals for independence and community access.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Communication, social, and self-advocacy training
• Personal care support (as needed)
• Life skill development (e.g., hygiene, cooking, transportation training)
• Community outings and inclusive recreational activities
• Assistance with mobility and engagement in group activities
• Documentation of participation, progress, and alignment with the IPP

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the California Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply to become a Vendor with a Regional Center for Day Habilitation (Service Code 510 or 055)
• Submit a comprehensive Program Design outlining service goals, staff structure, daily schedules, and compliance measures
• Secure a facility that meets ADA, fire safety, and local zoning regulations
• Carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance
• Implement transportation safety procedures if offering community outings

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4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain an NPI
Step 2: Contact the Regional Center(s) you wish to serve and request a Vendor Application Packet for Day Habilitation Services
Step 3: Submit your Program Design, required forms, staffing plan, and facility details
Step 4: Participate in an on-site review, fire inspection, and Regional Center orientation
Step 5: Upon DDS approval, begin accepting referrals based on IPP needs

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Regional Center vendor approval letter
• Facility lease, site plan, and zoning clearance (if applicable)

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Participant intake and goal development process
• Daily schedule templates and activity logs
• Behavior support and personal care guidelines
• Emergency preparedness and transportation protocols
• Staff training and supervision plan
• Incident reporting and grievance procedures
• HIPAA compliance and documentation retention

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Day Program Coordinator / Administrator
Requirements:

• Two years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
• Responsible for overall program oversight and quality control

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR/First Aid certification, background clearance (Live Scan)
• Experience supporting adults with developmental disabilities preferred

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-centered planning and IPP goal alignment
• Participant rights and abuse prevention
• Community inclusion and safety
• Emergency and first aid response
• Ongoing CEUs and staff development tracking

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Day Habilitation Services are reimbursed under:

• Lanterman Act funding through Regional Centers
• Self-Determination Program (SDP) (if selected by the participant)
• HCBS Waiver alignment for federal match compliance

Approved providers may deliver:

• Center-based or community-based group activities
• Individualized support aligned with IPP goals
• Transportation to/from activities (if authorized)
• Daily documentation and monthly progress reports​

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Facility Licensing, Lease, and Setup
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Regional Center Vendorization
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Service Activation
Timeline: Ongoing

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Phone: (916) 654-1690
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Phone: (800) 541-5555
Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov

Regional Center Directory (Statewide List):
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/listings

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• Vendor application and Program Design development
• Policy & procedure manual for daily operations, safety, and documentation
• Templates for attendance logs, activity records, progress reports, and consent forms
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and Live Scan management tools
• Client intake packet, behavior plans, and incident protocols
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with Regional Centers, families, and support coordinators