The Harbor Regional Center (HRC) guide

How do I reach Harbor Regional Center?

How do I get hold of my Harbor service coordinator?

• Email leaves a record.Harbor staff emails usually look like firstname.lastname@harborrc.org. The staff directory linked from Harbor’s Contact Us page lists each coordinator’s email and direct line.
• Use the direct line.Harbor says coordinators give families a business card with their direct line and their manager’s. A Harbor booklet for families says coordinators usually return calls by the end of the next working day.
• No call back? Ask for the Client Services Manager.Harbor says to use the number on the back of the card to reach the manager or their assistant. Or call (310) 543-0100 and ask the operator for your coordinator’s Client Services Manager.
• Find the manager’s name.In the staff directory, the “Manager” column names each coordinator’s manager. That manager’s own row has their phone and email. Above them, Harbor’s management page lists department directors with their phone numbers and emails.
• Keep notes.The state’s family guide, which Harbor posts, says to write down each call. Note the day and time, who you talked to and what they said. Keep your emails with Harbor together on one thread as well.
• Not a good fit?You can ask for a new coordinator at any time of year. Harbor says to contact your coordinator’s manager. Under state law, a coordinator stays only if everyone agrees.

What does Harbor Regional Center pay for?

• Adaptive skills trainingA professional teaches real-life skills at home, like brushing teeth or making a meal, so they grow more independent.
• RespiteSomeone else handles the care for a while, so you can rest or get things done.
• Behavior servicesPlans and support for behavior that’s hard to handle.
• Day programsDaytime programs for adults, with skills, activities and friends.
• Help living on your ownSupport for an adult who has, or wants, a place of their own.
• Social recreation and campSports, clubs and camps, for fun and friendship.
• RidesTransportation to a day program or another service.
• DiapersWhen a child is 3 or older.

Harbor is the last to pay. If IHSS, Medi-Cal, insurance or the school should cover a need, they’re asked first.

How do I get adaptive skills training through Harbor?

1. Ask your coordinator.Say you want Aldera for adaptive skills training, and put team@aldera.org on the copy line. See the exact email.
2. Harbor plans it with you.Harbor decides services in a planning meeting, and you can ask for one any time. It has to happen within 30 days, or within 7 days when it’s needed for health and safety or to keep someone living at home.
3. Harbor approves it first.Harbor pays only for services that are in your plan and approved ahead of time. Once it’s approved, we set up the first visit with you.
4. We start at home.The first visits are for getting to know your family member and picking goals together. Harbor recommends that parents and caregivers take part.

Ask your coordinator to send you an email as soon as Harbor authorizes the service. The list of services you sign should also name the provider and the start date, if it’s known.

How do I get my family member’s records from Harbor?

• Ask your coordinator.Harbor says requests for your own family member’s records go to your service coordinator. Email them a list, such as the psychological report or the latest IPP. Records questions can also go to Harbor’s Records & Compliance team: Privacy.Records@harborrc.org or (310) 543-0665.
• The 3-day rule.Whether you ask by phone or in writing, state law gives Harbor 3 business days to show you the file. Harbor can’t charge to find records, only the cost of copies. Tell Harbor if you can’t afford them, and they’re free.
• Your IPP.Harbor says it makes sure you have a copy of the plan after your planning meeting. Missing one? Ask, and by law Harbor must get it to you within 45 days, in the language you prefer.
• For SSI and IHSS.With your OK, Harbor says your coordinator may send Social Security the latest psychological report. IHSS needs the county’s SOC 873 form from a licensed professional, or an IPP with the same facts and signature. Harbor also suggests having your regional center and school reports ready for the county worker. For a child who wanders or can't see danger, IHSS also has protective supervision, and a parent can be the paid provider.

How do I get school support in the South Bay and Long Beach?

1. Put the request in writing.Some districts below say to call. Call if you like, then follow up in writing: state timelines start from a written request.
2. An assessment plan within 15 days.Within 15 days, the district must send a written plan for testing your child. Vacations longer than 5 school days aren’t counted.
3. 60 days after you sign.Your signature on that plan starts a 60-day clock. By the end, the district must finish testing and hold the IEP meeting.
4. Bring your coordinator.People you invite who know your child well can join the IEP team. Give your coordinator the date early, and sign a release so the team can see Harbor’s reports.
5. Turning 3.No later than 90 days before the third birthday, you, your coordinator and the district plan the move to preschool. Harbor says the district may use its Early Start assessments instead of new ones. Your coordinator can come to the first IEP if you ask.

Where to send your request

• Long Beach Unified (LBUSD)Send it to your child’s school or the Office of Special Education, (562) 997-8644. The Preschool Assessment Center, (562) 494-1645, tests 3- and 4-year-olds, including children leaving Early Start.
• Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD), Region SouthLAUSD schools in Harbor’s area are in Region South. Write to the principal at the school your child would attend, or call the region’s special education office at (310) 354-3431.
• Torrance Unified (TUSD)Torrance doesn’t post where requests go, so call the district at (310) 972-6500 and ask, then send yours in writing. For a preschooler, ask for the Arnold/LAUNCH office, ext. 2550.
• ABC UnifiedTalk with your child’s teacher or principal, or call the ABC SELPA at (562) 926-5566, ext. 25205. Its parent group holds Thursday evening workshops, with childcare if you RSVP.
• Norwalk-La Mirada Unified (NLMUSD)Start with your child’s teacher or school, or call Special Education at (562) 210-2402. From 2 years 10 months, call the early childhood special education line at (562) 210-4242.
• Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified (PVPUSD)Your written request goes to Student Services, 375 Via Almar, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274. A child under 5 must be enrolled in the district before testing starts.

Torrance, Palos Verdes and the beach-city districts share the Southwest SELPA, whose parent committee meets on Zoom; call (310) 263-3700.

How do I become a Harbor Regional Center client?

Three steps

1. Contact intake.Call (310) 543-0103, email intakeover3@harborrc.org, or fill out the online application.
2. Give your OK.A parent, guardian or conservator signs a consent form before any testing starts. The testing is free.
3. Harbor decides.This can take up to 120 days, or less when health or safety is at risk. A 3- or 4-year-old may be able to qualify before a diagnosis.

Our eligibility page explains who qualifies in more detail.

Where can parents get help?

• Harbor Family Resource Center.Harbor runs it at three sites: Torrance, (310) 543-0104; Long Beach, (310) 543-0105; and Norwalk, (562) 526-2115. It has information for every age, plus books and toys you can borrow at no charge. See the hours and addresses.

Quick answers