The first three years are the most important building blocks of a child’s future. Every family wants their child to grow
to be their very best. Some children who have delays or disabilities need extra support. One way this support is provided
is through the Birth to Three Program.
The Birth to 3 Program is a federally-mandated program (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—IDEA)
to support families of children with delays or disabilities under the age of three. Wood County Human Services is the administrative
lead agency for the Birth to 3 Program in Wood County. If you are concerned about a child’s development a referral can
be made by calling 715-421-4244.
A service coordinator will be assigned to work with the child and family. The service coordinator will assist the family
in explaining the developmental screening and/or evaluation process, the development of the Individualized Family Service
Plan (IFSP), the procedural safeguards, and the Primary Coach Approach to Teaming Philosophy.
Guiding Principles of Birth to Three
- Children’s optimal development depends on their being viewed first as children and
second as children with a problem or disability.
- Children’s greatest resource is their family. Children are best served within the
context of family.
- Parents are partners in any activity that serves their children.
- Just as children are best supported within the context of family, the family is
best supported within the context of the community.
- Professionals are most effective when they can work as a team member with parents
and others.
- Collaboration is the best way to provide comprehensive services. No single agency
is able to provide all services to all
children and families.
- Early intervention enhances the development of children. The goals of early intervention
are to: enhance the capacity of
families to meet the special needs of their child, maximize the potential for independent
living, and reduce costs to our society.
Support Services Available
- Service Coordination
- Developmental Screenings
- Developmental Evaluations
- Child & Family Education
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Community Information / Resources
- Related Health Services
- Transition Services
Support is provided to the child and family through a Primary Coach during daily routines, in familiar settings and with
familiar toys and objects in those settings. The Birth to Three Team focuses on the interrelated nature of all areas of
a child's development. Visits occur in the child’s natural environment(s)and are different than outpatient clinic visits.
This approach recognizes that family members and care providers are the primary influences for nurturing growth, development
and learning in young children. The program approach provides caregivers with the formal and informal supports to enable
them to promote their child's participation in family and community life.
Criteria for Eligibility for Birth to Three
- Children Birth to 36 months (3 years)
- Child diagnosed with a condition which will likely result in developmental delays (i.e. cerebral palsy and Down syndrome)
- A significant delay (25%) in one or more of the following areas: learning, physical/motor, communication, social/emotional,
and adaptive-behavior/self-help.
To make a referral, contact Wood County Human Services Department at 715-421-4244.
If you are not the parent or legal guardian we would appreciate if you would PLEASE contact the family and ask to make a
referral on their behalf.