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 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.
Columbia County Department of Health and Human Services runs the Birth to 3 program. The Department contracts with CESA 5/Portage Project to provide the therapy services. Team members include the Service Coordinator as well as a Physical Therapist, 2 Speech Therapists, an Occupational Therapist and a Teacher.