Birth to 3

While families across Wisconsin face uncertainties during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, young children with delays or disabilities are still in need of support. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Birth to 3 Program is here to support children and their families through this public health emergency. Click here for more information.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is committed to keeping families informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. DHS has published a second Birth to 3 Program Family Communication, P-02654, which contains important information about COVID-19 for children and families who access early intervention services through the Birth to 3 Program.

Birth to 3 is an early intervention program for all children from birth to 36 months (3 years) who have a diagnosed disability, move in ways that are not typical, or show a big delay in development.

The early intervention team will evaluate your child's:

• Cognitive Development (ability to learn)
• Sensorimotor Development (move, see, hear)
• Speech and Language Development (able to understand others and make own needs known)
• Adaptive Development (daily tasks such as dressing, playing, brushing teeth)

The Birth to 3 staff strives to help the family understand and be a part of the evaluation process. The services and support a child and family receive are based on their needs.

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 715-485-8585.

Click here for a referral form for the Birth to 3 Program.

What services and support may be available

What will this cost

Why are Birth to 3 services important

What to look for

Who can make a referral

Links for more information

Additional Resources:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” initiative includes resources on milestones checklist and parenting tips. 

Go to: www.actearly.wisc.edu   Information is also available in Spanish. 

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

Go to: 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/  

The CDC has released an app for parents or caregivers to download to track progress of developmental milestones.