About IDA

Infant Development Association of California is a non-profit grassroots organization of professionals from different disciplines, agencies, and service systems, as well as parents, who are committed to improving our early intervention service system. The statewide organization was created in 1983 when regional organizations established in southern California in 1973 and in northern California in 1980 were merged into a statewide association with a formal governance structure. Non-profit incorporation was completed in 1989. In 1995 the River Valley Chapter was founded and represents the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Mountain regions. IDA currently has approximately 250 members who support the organization with annual membership dues. Most recently, the River Valley Chapter and Northern California chapter merged representing both regions. 

Direction for the organization is provided by a State Board of Directors. The State Board of Directors is comprised of the board members from each of the Local Chapter Boards. The State Management Committee provides day-to-day leadership for the organization. The Chair for the Infant Development Association alternates among chapters in order to ensure a statewide perspective for the organization.

Association activities since 1983 have provided statewide leadership in early intervention through conferences, a newsletter, development of the first regional and state directories of early intervention services, provider surveys, position statements on service needs and emerging populations, and participation/leadership in every state advisory committee on early intervention. IDA has promoted transdisciplinary personnel standards and transagency program standards for early intervention services which may be found in health, education, developmental disabilities, childcare, social service, mental health, and most recently drug and alcohol treatment service systems. IDA is a requested participant in the Part C interagency planning process, with several Board members appointed as Community Representatives to the California Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention, which is required by Part C.