Birth to 3

The Wisconsin Birth - 3 - Program is a program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. The goal of the program is to help children overcome developmental delays that have been identified early to increase skills and abilities to allow children to be active participants in their communities. The Birth - 3 Program is "family centered" and recognizes the importance of parents, family and friends in a young child's life. The early intervention team will provide ideas and techniques to help a family enrich development. Services and supports a child and family receive are based on individual needs.

Who is eligible for Birth-3 Early Intervention services?

  • Children ages birth to 36 months may be screened for eligibility in the Birth - 3 program.
  • Eligibility is based on a diagnosed disability or significant delay in one or more areas of development.
  • Eligibility is not affected by family income, however, there may be a parental payment fee that will be applied to the costs of services.

What does the Birth - 3 program offer?

  • All services will be provided in the child's natural environments (home, day care, relative home, etc.), not in a medical therapy facility.
  • Family Education
  • Developmental Education Services
  • Speech Therapy/Communication Services
  • Related Health Services
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Nutrition Services
  • Assistive Technology

For more information on the Birth - 3 Early Intervention Program check out the DHS webpage. If you have concerns about your child's growth, development or learning we encourage you to call the Polk County Birth to 3 Early Intervention Program for a FREE screening at 715-485-8400.

Health Care Providers, please complete this referral form and send via fax.

For more information about Birth to 3, visit:
Families are the Foundation (English)
Families are the Foundation (Spanish)

Additional Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” initiative includes resources on milestones including an app to track your child’s development, checklists, and parenting tips. Information is also available in Spanish.  
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html

ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families includes resources on behavior, development, child care and school readiness. http://www.zerotothree.org/

Autism Speaks includes resources on Autism Spectrum Disorder, signs of autism and resources available to children with autism and their families. Go to: www.autismspeaks.org/

United Way St. Croix Valley’s Success By 6 program promotes healthy early childhood development to ensure children enter school ready to succeed. https://www.unitedwaystcroix.org/success-6

Talking is Teaching has resources designed to help you support your child’s early learning and brain development. https://www.greatstarttalkingisteaching.org/