(a) Early education services funded pursuant to Sections 56427, 56428, and 56432 shall be provided through both home visits and group settings with other infants, with or without the parent. Home-based and group services shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) All services identified in subdivision (a) of Section 56426.1.

(2) Group and individual activities that are developmentally appropriate and specially designed, based on the infant’s exceptional needs, to enhance the infant’s development. Those activities shall be developed to conform with the infant’s individualized family service plan and to ensure that they do not conflict with his or her medical needs.

(3) Opportunities for infants to socialize and participate in play and exploration activities.

(4) Transdisciplinary services by therapists, psychologists, and other specialists as appropriate.

(5) Access to various developmentally appropriate equipment and specialized materials.

(6) Opportunities for family involvement activities, including parent education and parent support groups.

(b) Services provided in a center under this chapter shall not include child care or respite care.

(c) The frequency of group services shall not exceed three hours a day for up to, and including, three days a week, and shall be determined on the basis of the needs of the infant and the family.

(d) The frequency of home visits provided in conjunction with group services shall range from one to eight visits per month, depending on the needs of the infant and the family.

(e) Group services shall be provided on a ratio of no more than four infants to one adult.

(f) Parent participation in group services shall be encouraged.

(g) This section shall become operative on July 1, 1998.

(Repealed (in Sec. 46) and added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 854, Sec. 47. Effective January 1, 1998. Section operative July 1, 1998, by its own provisions.)