DAY HABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN CALIFORNIA

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES THROUGH STRUCTURED DAYTIME PROGRAMS THAT BUILD SKILLS AND FOSTER COMMUNITY INCLUSION

Day Habilitation Services in California provide structured, person-centered daytime support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These services are designed to enhance life skills, social engagement, and community participation and are funded through California’s Regional Centers under the Lanterman Act, with alignment to HCBS federal standards.

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: Authorize and fund 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

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

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

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

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

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 FormationTimeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Facility Licensing, Lease, and SetupTimeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Regional Center VendorizationTimeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Service ActivationTimeline: Ongoing

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

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CALIFORNIA DAY HABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We support human services professionals, day program founders, and disability advocates in launching fully compliant Day Habilitation programs through California’s Regional Center system.

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

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.