Birth to 3 Program
Birth to 3 ProgramÂ
The Birth to 3 Program is Wisconsin's early intervention program for infants and toddlers, age's birth to 36 months, with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. A federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provides a framework for a comprehensive program for coordinating developmental health and social services within the family's community.
Eligibility is based on a diagnosed disability or developmental delay of 25 percent in one or more areas of development determined through evaluation of 5 areas, Cognitive, Physical/Motor, Communication, Social/Emotional and Adaptive.
When a child is found eligible, the service coordinator will work with the family and providers to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that will outline outcomes and services to help support the child and their family at home and in their community.
All services are provided in a child's natural environment: home or childcare setting. The Primary Coach approach is a practice that promotes parents' and/or caregivers' confidence and competence in supporting a child's learning and development. A family will have one Primary Provider who develops the relationship with the child/family. The other team members will support the Primary Coach and family as needed.
Adams County Department of Health & Human Services runs the Birth to 3 Program. The department contracts with CESA 5/Portage Project to provide the Speech Therapy and Gundersen Moundview Hospital and Clinics for physical therapy and occupational therapy. Team members include the Service Coordinator/Educator as well as a Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist or an Occupational Therapist.
Birth to 3 Referrals
Birth to 3 referrals can come from anyone: parent, doctor, daycare provider, etc. It is important to get permission from the family to make the referral.
Referrals can be made by phone by calling the Access Social Worker at Adams County Health & Human Services Department Monday - Friday at (608) 339-4505
The Service Coordinator will contact the family within 2 days to schedule a screening visit. At the initial screening visit, developmental history is gathered and a screening is completed using the Ages and Stages Parent Questionnaire to determine if further evaluation is necessary. If an evaluation is recommended, the Birth to 3 Program has 45 days to complete the evaluation, determine eligibility, and complete the IFSP. This timeline begins the day the referral was made to the Birth to 3 Program.
Birth to 3 Resources
Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program State Annual Performance Reports
DHS Birth to 3 Program Brochure