Services

What is the Birth to Three Program?
We are an early intervention program providing supports and services to the families and children age birth to three experiencing delays in development. Staff trained in assessing the developmental strengths and needs of very young children, determine with the parents/caregivers, if a child is eligible for the program. Once a child is determined to be eligible, services are provided to enhance the child's development and support the family's ability to nurture that development.
Parents play a primary role in the Birth to Three Program. They guide the Birth to Three team's understanding of their child, identify the daily routines and activities, and help determine the most natural setting in which services will be provided.
Birth to Three Services can include:

• Service Coordination
• Speech Therapy
  
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Special Instruction
• Hearing Screening
• Assistive Technology
• Nutrition Services
• Family Education and Counseling
• Psychological Services
• Nursing Services
• Vision Services
• Medical Services, to determine need for early intervention services
• Health Services, if needed to help the child benefit from other early    intervention services
• Transportation

Who can qualify for service?
The Birth to Three Program provides services to eligible children and their families when children:

• Have difficulty talking or understanding what is said to them
• Have difficulty with motor actions such as rolling, crawling, sitting, walking, throwing, and jumping
• Have difficulty with feeding, dressing or toileting skills
• Are visually or hearing impaired
• Have a diagnosed medical condition that may affect their development; for example, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, or other chromosomal disorders
• Display atypical development or significant behavioral problems which may lead to a developmental delay
• Play and social skills do not appear to be developing like others the same age

Who can make a referral?
- Parents            - Family members
- Physicians        - Social workers
- Therapists        - Childcare providers
- Others concerned with the child's development

 

What happens after a referral is made?
Families are contacted by the Director of the Achievement Center or the Portage County Birth to Three Service Coordinator. All information is voluntary and confidential.

What will it cost?

• Family income does not determine eligibility for the Birth to Three Program.
• Developmental screening, evaluation and service coordination are provided at no cost to the family.
• Medical Assistance and, with the family's permission, insurance companies may be billed for services.
• Families who are able will be asked to participate in the cost of services.

Guiding principles

• Parents know their child best and are important members of the early intervention team.
• Parent-child interactions are the building blocks of a child's development.
• Children's development is best supported through interactions with familiar people in play and daily routines.

Is there a problem?
Children develop at their own pace, and babies reach milestones at different ages.  If you suspect a developmental delay, it is important that you bring it to the attention of your doctor or the Early Intervention Program staff.

Most babies 0 to 12 months can...

• Follow a moving object with their eyes by 3 months
• Bring objects to their mouth by 4 months
• Control head when pulled to a sitting position at 4 to 7 months
• Respond to sounds at 4 to 7 months
• Babble and begin to say "Ma-Ma", "Da-Da" with meaning at 8 to 12 months
• Stand with support by 8 to 12 months

Most babies 12 to 24 months can...

• Understand simple directions
• Wave bye-bye
• Stack at least 2 small blocks
  
• Scribble with a crayon
• Walk with or without support
• Finger feed self and begin using spoon or fork

Most toddlers 24 to 36 months can...

• Combine 2 to 3 words
• Use 50 words
• Point to pictures in a book
• Stay with a task for 6 to 7 minutes
• Place simple shapes in a puzzle
• Walk up stairs without help

When should you call?
Anyone can call the program at (715) 342-0393 to make a referral. Referrals should be made whenever a child, age birth to 3 years, is at risk or is exhibiting delays in development. When a referral is received, program staff discuss developmental concerns and priorities with the family. With consent of the family, an appointment is scheduled for the purpose of gathering information and performing a developmental evaluation.